After 30-year relationship, Salvation Army asked to stop setting up kettles outside B.C. Liquor Stores

KAMLOOPS — The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign has been out in front of BC Liquor Stores collecting donations for nearly 30 years. This year, the relationship has ended.

The kettles were scheduled to be set up at the two Kamloops BC Liquor Store locations on December 1.

Capt. Cory Fifield with the Salvation Army says it was a surprise to see the quick change this year.

“For us, know it’s disappointing we understand decisions are made but for us, it’s a big deal. We have about 10 per cent of our funds actually come from those liquor stores, so that’s two of our 11 locations that we’ve lost and that’s a big disappointment for us.”

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch that operates the BC Liquor Stores said in a statement the decision to stop having kettles at their locations was a business decision.

The statement reads:

“To ensure we don’t overwhelm our customers with donation campaigns when they visit our stores, we are not approving any other fundraising activities at our stores throughout the holiday period, while our Food Banks BC or Share-a-Bear campaigns are running. Unfortunately, this means that we will be unable to facilitate the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign this year.”

They have their own fundraising priorities throughout the holiday season supporting BC food banks.

The Salvation Army says this is disappointing that they can’t be at the liquor stores, but they still hope to reach their fundraising goal.

“Our Christmas Kettle Campaign goal is $240,000. That’s a part of our overall campaign which our goal is $450,000. We’re still hopeful we’re going to come to that goal and I know if people dig deep, I know the people of Kamloops will come to the table for us,” says Fifield.

Fifield believes in Kamloops and is thankful for the support they get each year through the campaign.

“There’s still lots of places people can give, so it’s just important for people to know we need your support. We are fighting a little bit of an uphill battle because of that unfortunate loss, but we believe the people of Kamloops will step up and support us where we are.”

Kamloops residents will still have another three weeks to support the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign that wraps up on Christmas Eve.