Christmas is not that far away but hunger is always present.
To help make sure every Salmon Arm family has a Christmas of plenty, the annual Sleigh Of Hope for the Salvation Arm will kick off Friday, Nov. 13 with a two-day, non stop, admission free concert, held at the Mall at Piccadilly, with 36 different acts, changing every half hour.
There have been a number of people at the helm over the 24 years the Christmas campaign has been in effect, initially as the Ship of Happiness.
But while the name changed in 2005, diligent work by many volunteers has made sure the sleigh brings hope to many families.
Entertainers, musicians and dancers from Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Sorrento, Enderby, Armstrong, Chase, Vernon, Lumby – even some from as far away as Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton – will perform throughout the day.
The community is asked to give generously in the form of cash donations, non-perishable food items, gifts for single moms and unwrapped gifts for children 16 years and under.
As always, people are encouraged to make cash donations to the Salvation Army kettles located in the mall and around town to help those who may be struggling at this time of year.
“We have a lot of fun and hope to see everyone come to the mall this year and celebrate our 24th Annual Sleigh of Hope in support of the Salvation Army,” says co-ordinator Lynn Sande.
Friday, Nov. 13
9:40 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
Pipers Frank Reynolds & John Angus
10 Rayann
10:30 Al Beeler
11 Teena & Lloyd
11:30 Larry & Jane
Noon Patrick Ryley
12:30 p.m. Black Velvet Band
1 Thomas & The Retro Rebels
1:30 Lyn Sande
2 True Blue
2:10 Boot Scootin’ Line Dancers
2:30 D. Ross
3 Stu & Shirley
3:30 John Derksen Touch O Snow
4 Ceilidh Carmen Stoney
4:30 Guy Pare & the Country Pioneers
5 Shaughnessy Rose
5:30 Jared Taylor
6 Shuswap Idols
6:30 Jan Parada
7 Laura & Marv
7:30 Makin’ Do
Saturday, Nov. 14
9:40 Opening
Pipers Frank Reynolds and John Angus
10 Jim Lemke & Friends
10:30 Stan & Vera Wildwood
11 Vicki Weibe
11:30 Faye & Mac Galaxy Country
12 Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
12:45 Abe Zacharias
1:15 Rollie & Ed Accordion Friends
1:45 Aileen White
2:15 Margit Sky Project Margit & Ron
2:45 Abe & Mary Alive and Pickin’
3:15 Kringles
3:45 Checkmates
4:15 Vinnie Mickey & Friends