Amid Canada Post Strike Salvation Army Urges Donors to Reach Out in Other Ways to Support Struggling Canadians This Christmas

 Salvation Army expresses concerns about donations during its  largest public fundraiser of the year that supports over three million visits for assistance in 400 communities across Canada.

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2024 – In a significant nationwide postal disruption just ahead of The Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser of the year, the organization is asking donors to reach out in other ways.

“People give in a variety of ways. Many still prefer to get traditional fundraising requests by mail, and the response to that method is significant to our overall fundraising efforts,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications. “With no strike resolution in sight, we are deeply concerned about the impact this may have on our ability to support those most vulnerable.”

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring Canadians can still provide for individuals and families in need this Christmas. We encourage donors to:

• give online at SalvationArmy.ca
• call our toll-free line at 1-800-SAL-ARMY
• donate in person at any of our 2,000 Christmas kettle locations nationwide, many of which now offer tap-and-go donations

It’s a difficult time for many Canadians. In a recent survey by The Salvation Army, more than half of people accessing food banks are accessing them for the first time (58% versus 43% in 2023), indicating ongoing financial challenges. And parents with children are experiencing a number of challenges such as eating less so their children or family members could eat and missing bill payments due to financial constraints.

“Donations help provide meals, shelter, and vital services to vulnerable individuals and families during the holidays, a time when many are facing difficult choices between basic needs,” says Lt-Colonel Murray. “We thank Canadians for their generosity and commitment to making a difference in their communities.”

About The Salvation Army: 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 direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; 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; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

A list of regional media representatives can be found at:

https://salvationarmy.ca/news-and-media/media-contacts/

For media inquiries please contact:

Major Jamie Locke
Assistant Territorial Secretary for Communications
The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters for Canada and Bermuda
647-684-0785
Jamie.locke@salvationarmy.ca
www.SalvationArmy.ca