Salvation Army Celebrates Record-Breaking Christmas Kettle Campaign

Donor Generosity and Corporate Partners Help Salvation Army Transform Lives

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Contributions from donors throughout Canada helped The Salvation Army exceed its goal, setting a new record for the organization's iconic Christmas Kettle Campaign. In its 123^rd year, the annual fundraiser collected over $21 million in donations, an increase of 2 percent from 2012.

"Year after year, we are truly thankful for the support we receive from our partners, donors and volunteers," says Captain Les Marshall, Public Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. "This year, despite unprecedented weather that wreaked havoc across the nation, Canadians once again rose to the occasion, giving generously at more than 2,000 kettle locations from coast to coast."

Donors were also encouraged to support The Salvation Army online through FilltheKettle.com, which allows individuals to host their own Christmas Kettle online, and ask friends and family to give. Through the online tool, The Salvation Army raised close to $144,000.

"When people struggle with hunger, housing, substance abuse, or worry about how they will provide for their children, The Salvation Army eases their troubles and provides them with the dignity and support they need," says Captain Marshall. "Due to the overwhelming generosity of Canadians, The Salvation Army continues to provide critical services that transform lives and give people hope today and throughout the year."

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army in Canada has provided hope and dignity for individuals and families in need. The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is the non-profit's largest fundraising drive of the year and is supported by thousands of volunteer kettle workers. Money donated to the campaign goes directly back to the community in which it was raised to support a variety of services such as shelter for the homeless, rehabilitation for those with substance abuse addiction, food banks and meal programs for the hungry, and other practical services for individuals and families.

In addition to donations to Christmas Kettles, The Salvation Army was supported by multiple partnerships with Canadian retailers. Walmart Canada hosted "Walmart Fill the Kettle Day," which saw Walmart Canada match donations to kettles at its stores up to a maximum of $50,000. Other national corporate partners that helped The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign include Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, Canadian Tire and Sobeys.

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 the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. 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

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY