‘Little disappointing’: Salvation Army kettles no longer welcome near BC Liquor Stores | 24CA News
After almost 30 years, the Salvation Army Kettles will now not be in entrance of BC Liquor Stores.
The resolution got here as a shock to the Kelowna Salvation Army, as there are virtually 150 shifts scheduled of bell ringers to go to the Lakeshore Road liquor retailer location.
“It’s a little disappointing that we’re not able to be there anymore because they were a good source of revenue for us. But we are looking forward to finding some new locations that will do well,” stated Kelowna Salvation Army Major Mark Wagner.
“It happened to us a little unexpectedly, we weren’t at the table for those discussions. We found out about it even after our kettle program started.”
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch, which operates BC Liquor Stores, stated with two in-store campaigns already operating in the course of the vacation season, they didn’t need to overwhelm clients with one other fundraising exercise.
“BCL is running an in-store fundraising campaign in support of Food Banks BC throughout the holiday period, from November 12 to December 31,” stated the BC Liquor Distribution Branch in an announcement.
“BCL’s Share-a-Bear program, which runs every holiday season, is also currently underway. As part of this program, BCL customers are asked at the till if they would like to purchase one bear to take home while its twin is donated by the store to a shelter, hospital, or other worthwhile charity in their community.”
BC Liquor, the assertion added, was already absolutely dedicated to those campaigns by the point The Salvation Army utilized to make use of their shops for collections.
“We’ve really appreciated that relationship with the liquor stores over the years, but we will miss that,” stated Wagner.
Although it’s a loss for the Salvation Army, the group says they’re happy that the BC Liquor Store campaigns will assist assist native meals banks as the necessity continues to develop.
“We’re very grateful to BC Liquor Stores to be supporting us this holiday season as we try to meet the increased need within our community,” stated Central Okanagan Food Bank communications and engagement coordinator RayAnn Gruza.
“Right now, we are currently building 3,200 Christmas hampers, so the need is definitely there, and we are feeling that, and we appreciate all the support that we can get right now.”
This 12 months, the Central Okanagan Food financial institution is serving 25 per cent extra individuals than this time final 12 months.
“We believe there are still more people out there that need our support and haven’t accessed it. It is a lot of students, people on a fixed income as well as low wage earners,” stated Gruza.
“The increased funds will help serve the increased need within the community and ensure that we are providing our clients with nutritious food and just meet the need.”
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The Salvation Army is anticipating to take a success with out these explicit places, however the Central Okanagan Food Bank says native companies assist one another when wanted.
“We do work with 48 other partner agencies within the community and Salvation Army is one of them. We provide food to the Salvation Army, Kelowna Gospel Mission, Supportive and Transitional Housing, Kelowna Friendship Society, just to name a few,” stated Gruza.
“When people support us, they are also supporting others in the community as well.”
Kelowna’s Salvation Army has introduced a brand new Lakeshore Road location.
Starting Dec. 1, kettles might be present in entrance of Urban Fare, not far-off from the close by liquor retailer.
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