This band is raising money for the Kamloops Salvation Army with a musical advent calendar

Photo: Loops

Loops, with Kevin Roy (left) and Jon Fennell.

A Kamloops band has created an advent calendar for locals to enjoy.

It doesn't involve getting surprised with gourmet chocolate, tea or wine. Rather, music.

Starting today (Dec. 1), Kevin Roy and Jon Fennell (the duo who make up Loops) will release a new song at noon on their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Over the next 24 days, songs will range from covers to Christmas favourites to Loops originals. 

The musical advent calendar is fundraiser for the Kamloops Salvation Army. Anyone who follows Loops on social media and donates a minimum of $5 will be entered in a prize draw. 

Roy and Fennell have set a goal of $2,500. The pair raised $1,400 for the local legion last month, by putting on a virtual concert series.

"We saw the impact of the one we did for Remembrance Day... in such a short amount of time, and not just from a financial standpoint… but the feedback we got from people, that during a tough time during COVID, it was kind of a neat, inventive, unique way to just get their minds off of things and listen to some music and escape the harsh realities we’re facing right now," Roy, a retired Mountie, tells Castanet. 

"We thought, how could we incorporate the thought and the feeling behind what we did the first time and try to do it during Christmastime?" he continues.

Loops is a fairly new group. The band, which focuses on acoustic pop tunes, officially formed in November 2019. Roy and Fennell began touring around the province but plans were eventually halted when the pandemic hit. 

The duo is still looking for donations from local businesses for their prize draw on Dec. 25. To contribute or to get in touch, email [email protected].

You can find Loops on Facebook and on Instagram. 

To donate to their virtual Salvation Army kettle campaign, click here.

Editor's note: Donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.