Okanagan Central Community Church & Ministries

Celebrate Christmas with The Salvation Army Join Okanagan Central Salvation Army this Christmas season at a variety of community events across Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. From toy drives and Christmas kettle kick-offs to community light-up celebrations and matching gift days, there are many opportunities to bring hope to local families this Christmas. November Events November 14 🏒 West Kelowna Warriors Kettle Kick-Off 7:00 PM Royal LePage Arena November 20 🏒 Rockets Kettle Kick-Off 7:00 PM Prospera Place November 21 🎄 Tree of Hope Festival 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Landmark District November 28 🚙 4x4 Toy Run 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM High Noon Park, Kelowna November 29 💡 Rutland Winter Light-Up 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Centennial Park November 12 to December 11 🧸 Uncle Vinny's Toy Drive Various Locations unclevinnys.ca [ December Events December 1 🎁 Giving Tuesday Online okanagancentralsalvationarmy.ca December 4 to 6 🚂 Toys for Joy Orchard Park Mall Vista Radio Live on Location December 4 💡 West Kelowna Light-Up 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Brown Road December 5 ❤️ Mountain of Hope Toy Drive 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM West Kelowna Salvation Army Thrift Store with Beach Radio Live on Location December 5 🚓 West Kelowna Stuff a Cruiser 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM London Drugs [ December 5 🛻 Fill the Van for Sally Ann 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM All Save-On-Foods locations December 5 🎁 Santa's Workshop 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM George Elliot Secondary School, Lake Country December 6 to 12 🎁 Santa Bus City of Kelowna Transit December 12 ❤️ Scotia Match Day Various kettle locations throughout Kelowna December 12 🚓 Stuff the Cruiser 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM London Drugs, Kelowna December 19 ❤️ Wal-Mart Match Day Online okanagancentralsalvationarmy.ca Gifts of Hope Toy Rooms West Kelowna: December 7 to 11 Kelowna: December 14 to 24 Registration required. Contact: okanagancentral.giftsofhope@salvationarmy.ca Christmas Kettle Campaign The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign runs throughout November and December. Kettles conclude on December 24. Merry Christmas!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Salvation Army Extends Heartfelt Thanks to the Central Okanagan Community for Wildfire Support Central Okanagan, BC (September 9, 2026) – As The Salvation Army Okanagan Central reflects on the recent wildfire season and the challenges many residents faced in August, the organization is extending its sincere gratitude to the community for the extraordinary support shown during a time of crisis. The Bradley Creek, Quilpituk, and Bald Range wildfires had a profound impact on individuals and families across the region. Many residents were forced from their homes, facing uncertainty, loss, and unexpected financial hardship. While some families have since returned home, others continue to navigate the ongoing effects of property damage, lost possessions, and the disruption of daily life. Throughout the initial response phase, The Salvation Army worked alongside community partners to provide immediate assistance to those affected. More than 5,000 meals and snacks were served to evacuees and first responders, and over $75,000 in practical assistance was distributed. Support included emergency relief grants, gas and grocery gift cards, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items. Volunteers with the organization also contributed more than 500 hours of service to support wildfire response efforts. The ability to provide this assistance was made possible through the remarkable generosity of the Central Okanagan community. Individuals, businesses, churches, legislative offices, charitable organizations, and donors came together to offer financial contributions, food donations, essential supplies, and countless acts of kindness. As recovery efforts continue, The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting those impacted by the wildfires. Community donations will help families replace essential household items, access recovery supports tailored to their unique circumstances, and receive ongoing assistance as they work toward rebuilding their lives. “The outpouring of support we witnessed throughout the wildfire response was truly inspiring," said Jennifer Henson, Officer/Pastor, The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "We are deeply grateful for the volunteers, churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals who responded with such generosity and compassion. The willingness of so many people to serve, give, and care for their neighbours made a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by the wildfires.” “The response to these wildfires was a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together in service of others," said Rob Henson, Officer/Pastor, The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "Churches throughout our region, alongside countless community partners and volunteers, demonstrated extraordinary compassion and care for those who were hurting. We are deeply grateful for the many acts of kindness that reflected the very best of our community and helped bring hope to people when they needed it most.” In the face of adversity, the Okanagan community demonstrated the compassion, resilience, and generosity that make the region such a remarkable place to call home. The Salvation Army is honoured to have played a role in supporting those affected and extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the response and recovery efforts. As individuals and families continue to navigate the impacts of the wildfires, community support remains vital. Donations to The Salvation Army help provide practical assistance, recovery support, and access to essential programs and services for those rebuilding their lives. For anyone wishing to support recovery efforts, financial donations can be made securely online at www.okanagancentralsalvationarmy.ca, by visiting The Salvation Army's main office at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, or by calling 250-860-2329. Community members can also support the work of The Salvation Army by shopping or donating at Salvation Army Thrift Stores located at 200 Rutland Road South, Unit 2, in Rutland, and 3531 Old Okanagan Highway, Unit 100, in West Kelowna. – 30 – About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that gives hope and support to vulnerable people in more than 400 communities across Canada and in over 130 countries worldwide. Through practical assistance, emergency disaster services, food security programs, and community support initiatives, The Salvation Army has been serving Canadians since 1882. Media Contact Grace Absolom The Salvation Army Central Okanagan Phone: 778-581-7683 Email: grace.absolom@salvationarmy.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Salvation Army Okanagan Central Provides Meals, Clothing, and Support to Evacuees Affected by three local Wildfires CENTRAL OKANAGAN, B.C. (August 9, 2026) – The Salvation Army Okanagan Central is providing meals, clothing, emotional support, and practical assistance to individuals and families displaced by ongoing wildfires in the region while also supporting frontline firefighting crews. The organization is currently on Day 9 of its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) response, serving communities impacted by both the Quilpituk & Bradley Creek wildfires on Westside Road and the Bald Range wildfire affecting Peachland and Summerland. Since August 1, Salvation Army staff and volunteers have been serving evacuees at the muster centre located at the Lions Community Centre in West Kelowna, providing refreshments, snacks, emotional and spiritual care, and practical assistance. To date we have served over 2400 snacks at the muster centre. This weekend, teams have been preparing and serving approximately 200 meals at breakfast, lunch, and supper for evacuees, while continuing to provide coffee, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Meals have also been provided to firefighters over the past several days. Salvation Army’s staff and volunteers have served over 1500 meals so far. The Salvation Army has distributed clothing to many evacuees through its thrift store operations. Special thanks are extended to the Rotary Club of West Kelowna and Living Hope Church for supplying new socks and underwear to those displaced by the wildfires, and the many other local churches that have reached out to offer support. Local businesses have also stepped up to support response efforts. The Salvation Army gratefully acknowledges donations from Tim Hortons, 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar, Save-On-Foods, the Central Okanagan Food Bank, The Hatching Post, Kelly O'Bryan's West Kelowna, COBS Bread, Xia Yan, and the Naked Café. Restaurants interested in donating meals are encouraged to contact Grace Absolom, Community Engagement Manager, at grace.absolom@salvationarmy.ca. As needs evolve, The Salvation Army remains prepared to provide additional support during this incredibly difficult time for thousands of community members. Community members are understandably eager to support and we want to encourage anyone wishing to donate clothing or items to take them to our Salvation Army Thrift stores, where we have the capacity to manage donations and make them available to evacuees through shopping vouchers, where they can pick out the items they need most. Donations of clean, used clothing are accepted at Salvation Army thrift stores Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Financial donations can also be made online to support evacuees as recovery efforts continue in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We will accept gift cards for evacuees at two Salvation Army locations. These can be dropped off in Westbank at the Community Services Office – 3531 Old Okanagan Highway or in Kelowna at the Salvation Army Okanagan Central Community Church – 1480 Sutherland Ave. For more information about daily needs for evacuees, please keep an eye on our Facebook page where we post information frequently @The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. The Bald Range wildfire has resulted in the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents from Peachland and Summerland. These are our neighbours, and The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting those affected wherever there is a need. "Our focus right now is making sure evacuees know they are not facing this alone," said Captain Jennifer Henson, Officer and Pastor at The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "We have been there since the first day of evacuations and we are committing to journeying with folks impacted by the fires, for as long as it takes. Every meal served, every snack donated, and every act of kindness reflects the strength of our community coming together to support neighbours during a very difficult time." "When people are forced from their homes, the uncertainty can be overwhelming," said Captain Rob Henson, Officer and Pastor at The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "What we are witnessing is neighbours helping neighbours in meaningful ways. Churches, community members, businesses, service clubs, volunteers, and partner agencies are all finding ways to support those affected. It is a reminder that in challenging times, the Okanagan responds with compassion, generosity, and care." While emergency response needs are immediate, support for evacuees often continues long after evacuation orders are lifted as individuals and families work to recover and rebuild. Financial donations can be made securely online at www.okanagancentralsalvationarmy.ca, by visiting The Salvation Army's main office at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, or by calling 250-860-2329. Salvation Army Thrift Stores are located in Rutland at 200 Rutland Road S, Unit #2, and in Westbank at 3531 Old Okanagan Hwy #100 About The Salvation Army Okanagan Central The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps, and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. The Salvation Army Okanagan Central provides practical assistance, compassionate support, and community-based programs that help individuals and families overcome hardship and build brighter futures. Through Hope 4 Kids, The Salvation Army works to ensure children and youth have access to opportunities that support healthy development and long-term success. Media Contact Grace Absolom Community Engagement Manager The Salvation Army Okanagan Central P: 250-860-2329 C: 778-581-7683 E: grace.absolom@salvationarmy.ca 30 -