The Salvation Army is looking to raise $240,000 through its annual kettle campaign in Kamloops, which kicks off at City Hall next Wednesday, November 15.

Major Orest Goyak says all of the money raised stays in Kamloops to support a number of causes.

“It is our major fundraiser for the year and it helps out in our emergency food bank,” Goyak said. “It helps our weekly feeding program that we have as well as our children and family programs, and our kids camps.”

“Last year, our Christmas assistance program where we helped 400 family and out of those 400 families, 400 children received wonderful gifts.”

Goyak says you’ll be able to find the red kettles at about a dozen locations in Kamloops until December 23. People will be able to donate using cash or by tapping their debit or credit cards.

“So we have your local grocery stories like Independent and Save On, Superstore, Safeway, Fresh Co, Costco, Walmart, the London Drugs, and Aberdeen Mall,” Goyak said.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Goyak says the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to sign up for two hour shifts at some of those locations.

“It’s a big undertaking. We’re talking hundreds and hundreds of hours and we do ask for help from the community for two hour shifts,” Goyak said. “What really makes or breaks our campaign is the the support we get from the community by stepping up to volunteer.”

You can find more information about the 2023 kettle campaign here.