Salvation Army Launches 124th Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign
With a lead gift of $50,000 from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life, The Salvation Army’s fundraising efforts focus on ending poverty in Canada
Toronto, ON November 17, 2014 – The Salvation Army launched its national Christmas Kettle Campaign today, marking the 124th year that the organization has sought donations from the public to help millions of Canadians living in poverty. With a $21-million fundraising goal, the campaign will enable local Salvation Army units to work with individuals and families to give them basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions to help them day to day. Contributions will also help The Salvation Army provide life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and education classes, to help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.
“People recognize The Salvation Army as a part of the Christmas season because of our iconic Christmas Kettles placed across the country throughout November and December, but we want that recognition to go deeper,” said Commissioner Susan McMillan, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “This year we want to connect with community members and let them know that their donation will provide a warm meal to a mother and her child, or put a roof over someone’s head during Canada’s cold winter months.”
The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity for more than 130 years through the generosity of donors and volunteers. Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is the organization’s largest fundraising drive of the year and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time.
“Every year we are amazed and truly thankful for the generosity of our friends, families and neighbours who help The Salvation Army in its war against poverty,” Commissioner McMillan stated.
The Salvation Army is grateful for a $50,000 donation from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life to launch the Christmas campaign. Each year, The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Loblaw Companies Limited, Walmart Canada, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and many more, who allow Christmas Kettles to be placed at their stores each year.
Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas Kettles, donations to the 2014 Christmas Campaign can be made at www.FilltheKettle.com, 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.
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 125 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.
Examples of the 2014 advertising campaign can be found at www.salvationarmy.ca/advertising.
For further information please contact:
John McAlister
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-467-3186
john_mcalister@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca
Marlene Klassen, APR
Assistant Vice-President, Media and Public Relations
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
204-946-7705
marlene.klassen@gwl.ca
