Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Exceeds $18 Million National Target
Toronto, ON January 4, 2011 – The Salvation Army is thrilled to report that the $18 million national target for the Christmas Kettle Campaign has been achieved. There is still some final tallying to be done, but based on available information, the goal has been met. The Salvation Army has collected more than $18 million in the nearly 2,000 kettles on street corners and at retail outlets nationwide from mid November until December 24, 2010.
“The fact that we have exceeded our goal is remarkable and shows that the true spirit of generosity is alive and well in the Canada – we’re humbled that so many heeded the call to help their neighbors in need,” said Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated, to the thousands of bell-ringers who stood for countless hours at kettles across this vast nation, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the malls, retail chains and stores that welcomed us in this Christmas. We couldn’t raise the funds we need to help vulnerable and marginalized people without the support of our many dear friends and partners.”
The Salvation Army launched the innovative “Fill the Kettle” program this year, enabling donors – for the first time ever – to track donations at physical kettle locations across Canada throughout the season. Using Google technology, visitors to www.FilltheKettle.com can locate and even make a secure online donation directly to an individual kettle in their community.
The 2010 Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.6 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada’s most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. Last year, more than $18 million was raised in the kettles nationwide, an all time record. The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including WalMart and Loblaw Companies Limited, which allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores each year.
Donations to The Salvation Army can be made at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4. Donors can also give by texting “HOPE” to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada.
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 the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. 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
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For further information please contact:
Graham Moore
Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary
416-809-6144
graham_moore@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca
