Dear friends:

The Salvation Army helped more than 1.8 million people in Canada and Bermuda last year — that’s close to 5,000 people every day.

In 2012 we marked our 130th anniversary. From the beginning The Salvation Army has provided services that offer dignity and hope to some of our country’s most vulnerable people. Today we are the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada.

As a leader, I want to thank you for your support. Your compassion and generosity has changed the lives of people like Patricia and Jordon.

Patricia’s sudden loss of employment forced her to cut back on food so she could keep a roof over her head. With the help of The Salvation Army, she is able to provide balanced, nutritious meals to her family— something that at one point seemed impossible.

And eight-year-old Jordan, from an abusive home situation, arrived at camp with a battered suitcase that contained one beat-up old pillow. With a new sleeping bag and some trendy clothes he felt a sense of self-worth, was able to take a deep breath and experience the joys of just ‘being a kid.’

At the end of each day, The Salvation Army has helped thousands of broken people through difficult circumstances, bridging gaps between fear and hope, and comforting those whose lives have been assaulted.

The Salvation Army believes that everyone is of immense value and deserves to be treated with dignity. Our desire is that each person we serve walks away with new hope, feeling important, worthy and respected.

We could not do what we do without friends like you. We deeply value your investment of time and resources, and we commit to wisely using your gifts to provide the help that people need most.

May God Bless You,

 
 
Brian Peddle
Commissioner
Territorial Commander

Dear friends:

While the Canadian economy appears to be stable, and many of us agree that Canada is a wonderful place to live, poverty continues to remain a significant challenge for many people in this country.
And poverty hurts. Approximately three million Canadians live in poverty, including more than 600,000 children. Last year 900,000 people relied on food banks. And an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 people are homeless in Canada.

This year The Salvation Army in Canada celebrated 130 years of service that provides hope and dignity to vulnerable and marginalized people. Today, as society’s problems are more complex than ever, the demand for Salvation Army services continues to increase.

Last year, more than 1.8 million people received help from the Army. From shelter beds to practical assistance to addictions rehabilitation the Army recognized needs, provided care and engaged in people’s lives to help them find solutions.

As Chair of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board, a group of 13 members who support the Army with strategic guidance on its national operations and services, I ask you to join me and others in investing your time and resources with The Salvation Army. Your contribution will change the future of thousands of people.

Those in poverty may be our brothers and sisters, our neighbours, and friends. They deserve our personal attention!

Sincerely,

 
 
Andrew B. Lennox
Senior Vice President
Scotiabank

Chair
The Salvation Army National Advisory Board
 
Click here for the full membership of the National Advisory Board