Kelowna, Lake Country raise $929K in Salvation Army's Christmas fundraiser

Photo: The Salvation Army

The Kelowna and Lake Country community raised a record-breaking $929,000 for The Salvation Army through its 2020 Christmas fundraiser – exceeding its target of $700,000.

“We are so blessed to live in a community that cares for one another and that strives to Give Hope, especially in challenging times,” says Captain Darryl Burry, lead pastor and executive director of the Kelowna / Lake Country Salvation Army. 

Burry says 2020 was a hard year with financial struggle; the Salvation Army experienced a 61 per cent increase in demand over the previous year.

In December 2020, support was shared with 659 local households, a 25 per cent increase over 2019. The organization was also able to provide 1150 children with toys for Christmas.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who made this campaign a success, and adapted to all of our new COVID safety measures," adds Burry.

Although the Christmas season is over, The Salvation Army says there is still work to be done. To learn more about how you can help, click here.