Greetings
Territorial Commander
Compassionate, Effective, Relevant Care
Since taking up my appointment as territorial commander in September 2023, I’ve been privileged to witness the tremendous work of The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. With a presence in more than 400 communities, we focus on compassionate, effective and relevant service to people in need.
I gratefully acknowledge the leadership of my predecessor, Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, who lost a courageous battle with cancer this past year. His ministry was marked by an innovative approach to mission and was a testament to the love of Christ in action. The Salvation Army is a Christian church that provides hope, community and social services for all who come to us, regardless of their circumstances. New research from The Salvation Army Canada finds that many Canadians still struggle to meet basic needs, with food affordability, inflation and housing insecurity persisting as top issues.
Last year, more than three million visits were made to us for assistance. Most often requests are for essentials such as food, clothing and shelter.
Lee Graves
Commissioner
Territorial Commander
National Advisory Board Chair
Fulfilling the Army’s Promise of Giving Hope Today
As a member of the National Advisory Board since 2018, and someone who believes in the mission and values of The Salvation Army, it was my honour to be appointed as board chair in September 2023.
The role of the advisory board is to provide The Salvation Army’s senior leadership with knowledge, critical thinking and analysis to assist them with key issues and explore new opportunities that may have a significant impact on their mission and operations.
As chair of the board, I am grateful for a diverse group of individuals who are deeply motivated by the Army’s mission and who have embraced the opportunity to help.
Susan Waterfield
Chair
National Advisory Board
Mission, Vision and Values
The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.
Our Mission
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communi-ties of our world.
Our Vision
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Our Values
Values are who we are and what we continually strive for. They guide all aspects of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.
HOPE
We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
SERVICE
We reach out to support others without discrimination.
DIGNITY
We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
STEWARDSHIP
We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.
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 non-governmental direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda and 134 countries around the world. In Bermuda, the Army has been at work since 1896.
Our social services include (but are not limited to):
- hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and meal programs;
- shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing;
- rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use disorders;
- 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;
- life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management.
OVER 3 MILLION
VISITS WERE MADE TO THE SALVATION ARMY IN CANADA AND BERMUDA FOR ASSISTANCE.
With 95 thrift stores, 113 donor welcome centres and 11 distribution and recycling centres, The Salvation Army operates one of Canada’s largest national clothing recycling operations.
Although proceeds from the sale of goods help fund our many social programs, the Army also provides items free of charge to individuals or families who have been referred by our social service programs and other agencies.
Thanks to the generosity of donors in Canada who have given specifically to our international work, the International Development Department is able to support education, health care, water and sanitation, and livelihood development projects that are helping families and communities abroad work towards self-sufficiency.
As a religious denomination, The Salvation Army has close to 300 community churches (corps) in Canada and Bermuda. These churches not only focus on worship, Christian education and other congregational activities, but are also involved in providing practical assistance to their communities.
The Salvation Army is diligent in its stewardship of donations so that funds solicited in its public appeals are used to fund community and social service programs and activities, rather than church ministries, unless the donor designates otherwise.
Financial Overview
The financial statements present the assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenues and expenses of the Governing Council of The Salvation Army in Canada and its controlled entities, both incorporated and unincorporated.
About Us
REASONS TO SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army began its work in London, England, in 1865 when William Booth, a minister, abandoned the conventional concept of a church and a pulpit and took his message of hope to the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute. By 1867 The Salvation Army had developed into a ministry offering basic schooling, reading rooms, penny banks, soup kitchens and relief aid to the destitute.
YOUR SUPPORT IN ACTION
in more than 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda
OVER 3 MILLION VISITS WERE MADE TO THE SALVATION ARMY IN CANADA AND BERMUDA FOR ASSISTANCE.
3.2 MILLION COMMUNITY MEALS WERE DISTRIBUTED.
112,000 SCHOOL MEALS PROVIDED.
2.1 MILLION VISITS FOR FOOD, CLOTHING OR PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE.
438,000 VISITS FOR CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE INCLUDING FOOD
7,800 INTERACTIONS THROUGH DROP-IN DAY PROGRAMS THAT DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY.
31,600 INTERACTIONS THROUGH STREET OUTREACH.
5,500 SHELTER, ADDICTIONS, DETOX AND MENTAL-HEALTH BEDS PROVIDED.
6,632 CHILDREN HELPED THROUGH BRIGHTER FUTURES SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM.
MORE THAN 69,000 MEALS SERVED WHEN DISASTER STRUCK.
345 PEOPLE GRADUATED FROM ADDICTIONS AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS.
8,625 INTERACTIONS WITH PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED LANGUAGE TRAINING, SETTLEMENT AND REFUGEE SERVICES.
14,000 PEOPLE REFERRED FOR HOUSING.
3,000 CHILDREN AND TEENS ATTENDED SALVATION ARMY CAMPS.
130+
Countries
The Salvation Army is a global movement, actively operating in 134 countries.
3 Million+
Visits Were Made To The Salvation Army In Canada And Bermuda
As a religious denomination, The Salvation Army has close to 300 community churches (corps) in Canada and Bermuda. These churches not only focus on worship, Christian education and other congregational activities, but are also involved in providing practical assistance to their communities.
813,000
Volunteer Hours Were Given
At many Salvation Army locations across Canada, you will find selfless volunteers with a passion for helping and making a difference.
Hope Stories
The Salvation Army has a proven track record that goes back more than 140 years in Canada, and more than 150 years internationally. It is now one of the world’s largest providers of social services.
Bermuda’s Addiction and Life Skills Program Transforms Lives
A Global Reach
Dads Matter Too
British Columbia Provides Life-changing Support to Indigenous Community Affected by Wildfires
The Hope of Spring: Diana’s Story
Empowering the Future: How The Salvation Army Gives Hope During Back-to-School
Indigenous Ministries Highlights
Celebrating Our Diverse and Committed Volunteers
Salvation Army Leaders Visit Ottawa for Week at Parliament
Hope and Renewal through Pathway of Hope
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response
