Online registration opens for Salvation Army Christmas Food & Toy Program

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, The Kelowna/Lake Country Salvation Army is preparing for an increase in demand for this coming season.

The impacts of COVID-19 have been far reaching and The Salvation Army has experienced a 61 per cent increase in the number of individuals and families who have been reaching out for support – with 47 per cent having never accessed their services in the past.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in our community right now,” said Captain Darryl Burry, Lead Pastor and Executive Director for the Kelowna Salvation Army. “There have been many who have lost their jobs or are facing uncertainty with their employment. This is in addition to those who were already struggling with food and housing security. Each day seems to bring about a new challenge, and so we desire to come alongside and share some hope with those who are experiencing this weight.”

The Salvation Army Sharing Christmas program provides the family with a food gift card and toys for children. Last year, 526 families and over 1000 children in Kelowna and Lake Country received support due to the generosity of the community. This year, with the need anticipated to be even higher, The Salvation Army is asking for your help.

“We could not provide this blessing without the tremendous support of the community,” said Burry. “From financial donations to the donation of food products and new toys…each contribution helps us to provide hope and dignity to local families. We are beginning our registration much earlier than normal to accommodate the anticipated increase in demand, and new safety measures will change the process and timeframe for our distribution in December.”

For families (two or more living in the same household) who require assistance, The Salvation Army has a new online registration for their Sharing Christmas program. For Kelowna / Lake Country residents: register online: www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca Dates: October 13 – Nov. 30, 2020

For those who are unable to register on-line, they are encouraged to call 250-765-3450 x117 as early as possible to arrange for a registration interview.

“We desire to ensure that no one falls through the cracks during this special season of love and giving, however, in order to meet the demands placed upon us, we would respectfully ask that all families register as early as possible,” added Burry.

The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign will also continue this year, but with new contactless donation options (TipTap), as well as enhanced safety and sanitization protocols. To learn more, or to volunteer, please contact kettles@kelsa.ca or call 250-860-2329 x113.

For more information on The Salvation Army in Kelowna: Web: kelownasalvationarmy.ca Facebook: The Salvation Army Kelowna Instagram: @salvationarmy_kelowna Twitter: @kelownasallyann