The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign kicked off with an all out party in front of Cherry Lane Shopping Centre on Nov. 21.
“I’ve done this for 20 years, and I think this is the most fun kick off I’ve ever seen,” said Salvation Army Capt. Miriam Leslie.
It was a bit chilly Saturday, but organizers of the event brought in people like Joelle and Donna Mbamy from Sunrise Pharmacy to demonstrate Zumba and keep the crowd warm, along with belly dancers from Get Bent and seasonal music from the Okanagan Valley Music Makers.
By going for an outdoor party, organizer Hilma LaBelle hoped to give the Kettle campaign a big boost right at the start. With the event just halfway through, she said the party was a success.
“We have money in the kettles already and the public response has been wonderful,” said organizer Hilma LaBelle.
Between now and Christmas, she said, volunteers and their kettles will be stationed at locations throughout the city, encouraging people to help support the less fortunate in the community.
The kettle campaign is one of the Salvation Army’s major fundraisers, and all the money collected stays local, helping fund their various efforts, including operating the Food Bank, giving shelter and providing services of care and concern in the community.