Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Donate $100,000 to The Salvation Army to Help Provide a Brighter Christmas for Many Across Canada
Dec 18 – HAM – The Salvation Army today received a $100,000 contribution from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life toward its 2008 National Christmas Campaign. The campaign is aimed at raising money to continue the fight against poverty in Canada during Christmas and throughout the year.
“At a time when the economy has softened and some businesses and individuals have considered cutting back on charitable giving, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life’s generosity is especially timely and meaningful,” says Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda. “Their contribution recognizes that in these times, Canadians living in poverty or living paycheque to paycheque are relying on a spirit of giving that transcends recessionary concerns.”
The contribution was made through The Key to Giving™ – the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. Through the program, the companies contribute to non-profit, charitable and community organizations across the country to address health and wellness, education, social services, arts and culture and civic initiatives. The Key to Giving program also supports the volunteer involvement of staff and financial security advisors in their efforts to meet the needs of the communities in which they live and work.
Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President of Community Affairs at Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life says that charitable and community organizations are proving particularly susceptible to the challenges associated with an economic downturn.
“The contributions we’ve made today are a response to concern expressed by our staff and financial security advisors, many of whom volunteer with charitable organizations in their communities. We want to provide exceptional assistance to front line community organizations to help them keep pace with increased needs during this time of year. We’re happy that the size and strength of our companies has allowed us to respond.”
The contribution announced today came as welcome news for The Salvation Army’s National Christmas Campaign which raised more than $23 million in 2007 and has grown into one of Canada’s most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. Raising a significant portion of the Army’s annual fundraising total, the Christmas Campaign helps provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.5 million people in Canada each year.
