On Saturday, The Salvation Army will be partnering with Uptown Shopping Centre to ring in the annual Christmas kettle season with the inaugural Fill the Kettle: Celebrity Kettle Kickoff Event.
The red kettle campaign is one of The Salvation Army’s long-standing Christmas traditions, and continues to be the largest fundraising initiative across Canada.
The day kicks off at 11 a.m. and includes celebrity guests Tal Bachman, a Juno award winner, Dave Cutler from the CFL Hall of Fame, Bruce Williams and Myra Lawrence from CTV and VicPD Chief Const. Frank Elsner.
Celebrities will be hosting kettles from 11 a.m. to noon and Sally Ann’s mascot friends will be in attendance between noon and 1 p.m.
Entertainment throughout the event features The Salvation Army Citadel Brass Band and Singers, The Salvation Army Westsong Band and Tal Bachman, who will be performing original Christmas songs.
Funds raised through the kettle campaign make a difference locally in the Greater Victoria community by providing essential services and compassionate care to people who face poverty, addiction, homelessness, abuse and other serious situations.
Other ways to donate to the Kettle campaign include texting HOPE1005 to 45678 to make a $5 donation, online at fillthekettle.com or in person at The Salvation Army Stan Hagen Centre for Families located at 2695 Quadra St.
Also on Saturday, the annual tree light-up takes place beginning at 5 p.m. Uptown’s 16-metre tall tree light-up includes a visit from Santa, live entertainment and lighting of the giant festive tree. Head on down for some community fun.
editor@saanichnews.com