Organizers are hoping area residents will support the 22nd annual Sleigh of Hope Music Jamboree with a spirit of giving.
The kick-off event to the yearly drive for food and toys for the Salvation Army takes place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16 at the Mall at Piccadilly.
Inaugurated in 1991 by the local Lions Club, organization of the event that gathered about a half-ton of food last year was undertaken over the past six years by Pat Gerbrandt, even though she had moved to the Coast.
Her assistant Lyn Sande has taken over with the help of Patricia Argent and the women are hoping to increase the amount of food and number of toys collected for the Salvation Army.
The theme is still about giving, but in an atmosphere of fun, where the only admission people are asked to pay is a donation of food, gifts and/or money in order to enjoy the jam-packed, two-day musical event at the mall.
Abe Zacharias, who has participated in every Sleigh of Hope Jamboree since they began in 1991, is one of 32 artists who will perform during the two-day event.
“Many of the musicians have been there for upwards of six years,” says Sande, noting Patrick Ryley, the Boot Scootin’ Line Dancers, Linzy Lunkwist, The Dust Puppets and this year’s Shuswap Idols are on the lineup.
The jamboree kicks off with pipers Frank Reynolds and John Angus at 9:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and the entertainment continues until 8:20 p.m. On Saturday, the entertainment begins at 9:45 a.m. and continues to 4:45 p.m.
Last year, the Salvation Army handed out more than 500 Christmas hampers and more will be needed this year.
Organizers appreciate the support from the community and say anyone who wishes to sponsor the program is invited to call Pat at 250-463-2654, or Lyn at 250-307-0750, or send an email to Sande at lynsande777@yahoo.ca.