Edmonton - Oiler fans were handed 17,000 Salvation Army bells to launch the $400,000 Christmas kettle campaign before their game against the Colorado Avalanche last Friday.

In 2005, the Avalanche launched The Salvation Army's kettle campain with 5,000 ringing bells at a game.

Edmonton wanted to beat that record. Launching this years campaign at the game has a better chance of reaching more people.