A Memorable Gala: Christmas with The Salvation Army
By: June Li
The sounds of brass and choir were brought together once again for The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas gala, Christmas with The Salvation Army. On Saturday, December 1st, over 2,000 guests filled the concert hall at the historic Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto to celebrate the festive sounds of the season.
Christmastime is The Salvation Army’s most vital fundraising period and to express our gratitude, this year’s concert featured two pre-receptions.
With the beautiful sounds and melodies from a live pianist, Lt. Colonel John Murray hosted the first pre-reception for over 250 donors and partners of The Salvation Army. The second pre-reception focused on major donors and partners of The Salvation Army’s Florence Booth Campaign and was accompanied by the rhythmic and harmonious sounds from guitar soloist, Daniel Huezo.
This year’s concert featured award-winning Jazz songstress Sonja Gustafson along with organist, Ian Sadler, dramatist, Colin Fox, The Salvation Army’s Canadian Staff Band and Staff Songsters. As guests took their seats, they were welcomed with the powerful and symphonic sounds of Hark! The Hearld Angels Sing from the Festival Chorus, Canadian Staff Band and Organ.
Guests also enjoyed classic Christmastime favourites such as Noel, Noel and Silent Night as well as a dazzling performance by The Salvation Army’s Timbrelists from London, Ontario.
Watch below for The Salvation Army London Citadel’s Timbrels Performance
https://www.facebook.com/tsatoronto/videos/2411645612396304/
As the concert concluded, donors and partners of The Salvation Army were invited to join Territorial Commander, Commissioner Susan McMillan at her post-concert reception. Special guests met with Salvation Army Leadership from across the Division as well as the performers from the evening.
Though Christmas with The Salvation Army is an annual concert to celebrate the Christmas season, it is also a time for The Salvation Army to give thanks to all our wonderful donors and community partners. It is because of their generous support that we are able to continue to feed the hungry, shelter those without a home and give hope to those who may be lost to the dark realities of addiction.
To donate or to learn more about The Salvation Army’s life-changing programs please visit SalvationArmy.ca. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 1645 Warden Avenue, Toronto ON, M1R 5B3.
Unable to make it to the event? You can catch snippets and photos of the concert on our Facebook page.
