The Salvation Army launches 128th annual Christmas Kettle Campaign
TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2018 – Today, The Salvation Army officially launches its 2018 Christmas Kettle Campaign, which is its largest public fundraising drive of the year. Now in its 128th year, the annual fundraiser seeks donations from the public to help The Salvation Army assist millions of people living in poverty. With one in seven Canadians struggling to make ends meet, The Salvation Army relies on this fundraising campaign to feed, clothe, shelter and empower those in need.
With a national $21-million fundraising goal, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units to provide practical assistance to individuals and families in 400 communities across Canada. Contributions also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating its life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently. Every donation to a Christmas kettle remains in the community in which it was given, in order to help local people in need. Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.7 million people, including providing 3.2 million free meals, 7,300 emergency beds each night, and assisting 269,000 with Christmas food hampers and toys.
“For over 135 years, The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity to people in need through the generosity of our donors and volunteers,” says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, Secretary for Communications. “Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is our largest fundraising drive of the year and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time.”
Each year, The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Bass Pro Shops, Krispy Kreme, and many more, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.
In addition to accepting donations of cash or cheques, most kettle locations this year will also enable donors to give with their debit or credit cards through secure Moneris terminals that feature tap-and-go technology.
Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas kettles, this year FilltheKettle.com, a Salvation Army mobile site, will enable donors to give through their mobile devices or computers. A QR code will be featured at physical kettle locations, making it easier for people to access the mobile-giving option. Users of FilltheKettle.com can also host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate to The Salvation Army.
Donations to the 2018 Christmas Campaign can also be made at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.
Donors can also text HOPE to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to their monthly mobile bill.
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 131 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 addiction; 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: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/prcontacts
For further information:
John McAlister, National Director of Marketing and Communications, The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters for Canada & Bermuda, Phone: 416 467 3186, E-mail: john_mcalister@can.salvationarmy.org
