A Look Back at Christmas 2019
In 2019 The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign raised a total of $3.6 million across British Columbia. This will help us continue to feed, clothe and shelter individuals and families, while helping others escape violence and addiction.
How it Was Done:
The money raised this Christmas season is in no small part due to the tremendous work of staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make Christmastime as special as it could be for those less fortunate. From ringing the bells at our Christmas kettles, to hosting special events in partnership with different organizations, Ministry Units all over the province did some incredible work.
Here are some of the highlights from this past season …
BC Transit Connects with The Salvation Army
In Prince George BC Transit partnered with our local Ministry Unit to collect food bank donations in lieu of bus fare from transit riders. And in Kelowna the Santa Sleigh Bus collected $37,163.95 worth of goods donated to The Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Program.
Toys for Tickets in Fort St. John
If you were someone who unfortunately picked up a parking ticket (or two) in Fort St. John, the city recently granted citizens the option to pay it off by donating a new, unwrapped toy, gift card, or cash donation for The Salvation Army.
Junior Hockey Teams Joined in on the Fun
Some teams, like the Chilliwack Chiefs gave their time by taking part in the Christmas Kettle Drive. Elsewhere on the ice the Abbotsford Pilots hockey team held a Teddy Bear Toss Night where stuffed animal donations were given to The Salvation Army to distribute to local children in the Fraser Valley.
Abbotsford Fire and Police also battled it out in a charity hockey game where 10 bags of used clothing was donated by spectators to our Thrift Store.
Harley Riders Toy Fund
A friendly group of motorcyclists cruised around Prince Rupert collecting toys and donations for their annual Harley Riders Toy Run. In total they raised $10,000 and donated another 121 toys that helped the local Salvation Army create more than 600 hampers to be given out during the holiday season.
Christmas Dinner in the Downtown Eastside
On Christmas day, volunteers at Vancouver Harbour Light prepared meals for 1,500 guests to enjoy a special Christmas dinner.
“This may very well be the only Christmas dinner they’ll receive, so it’s just a great opportunity to connect with friends and to show people that they matter and that we care.” – Jim Coggles, Executive Director
CHEK Christmas Drive-Thru
On the Island our friends from CHEK hosted the 26th annual Christmas Drive-Thru.
During a live broadcast CHEK collected donations of food, toys, clothing, and household goods in their parking lot.
“I think it’s important for all of us to give back,” says CHEK general manager Rob Germain. “Any one of us could find ourselves in circumstances where we need a helping hand so if we’re able to give back, we should.”
Lieutenant Governor Rings in the Start of the Kettle Campaign
Victoria hosted the 2nd Annual Hope in the City Luncheon at the Victoria Conference Hall on November 19th. Keynote speaker, the Honourable Janet Austin, not only shared a great speech with the crowd but also made the first donation of Victoria’s 2019 Kettle Campaign.
The Stars Came Out
Getting the Kettle Campaign started in the Lower Mainland was the 7th Annual Celebrity Kettle Kick-Off held on November 28th. We were blessed to have some of our favorite personalities from 94.5 Virgin Radio, and CTV News join us and help collect donations.
Arlene Dickinson Shares a Personal Story at the Hope in the City Breakfast
The 18th Annual Hope in the City Breakfast held on December 4th was one of our most successful to date. With almost 1,100 guests in attendance, we raised over $400,000. This year’s keynote speaker Arlene Dickinson, star of Dragons’ Den, shared raw personal stories of hardship growing up and overcoming significant challenges into adulthood; The Salvation Army was there for her family when they needed it most.
Toys! Toys! Toys!
Always a fun event, this year’s Toy Mountain saw the pile of donations continue to grow over two days in Surrey’s Guildford Town Centre. In total close to 10,000 toys and another $82,300 were collected to help low income families celebrate Christmas with gifts for their children.
Watch this special report from CTV News
These were just some of the many great stories from around B.C. that told tales of the spirit of giving during the Christmas season. Thanks to everyone who helped by volunteering or supporting these special events, and to all our wonderful donors for helping us give hope today.