Ontario Great Lakes Division launches 126th Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign
Toronto, ON November 23, 2016 – The Salvation Army has launched its 2016 Christmas Kettle Campaign. Now in its 126th year, the annual holiday campaign seeks donations from the public to help The Salvation Army assist millions of Canadians living in poverty. With one in 10 Canadians struggling to make ends meet, The Salvation Army’s advertising campaign focuses on the fact that “Poverty isn’t always easy to see, especially during the holidays.”
With a Divisional $4.9 million fundraising goal, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units in 400 communities across Canada help individuals and families with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. 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.
“The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity for more than 130 years through the generosity of our donors and volunteers,” says Major Les Marshall, Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary. “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.”
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 1.9 million people in need. More information about the work of The Salvation Army can be found in our Annual Report at: https://salvationarmy.ca/annualreview_1516/.
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 each year.
Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas Kettles, donations to the 2016 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.
Supporters can also host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours and coworkers to donate to The Salvation Army. These online kettles can be created at www.FilltheKettle.com.
Donors can also support the 2016 Christmas Campaign by texting HOPE to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly mobile bill.
If you would like to volunteer, please check the listings for Kettle Campaigns in the Ontario Great Lakes Division
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 128 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.
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