TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - With one week remaining, The Salvation Army is calling on Canadians to generously support its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. To date, The Salvation Army has raised $11.4 million dollars through the Kettles, but with a fundraising goal of $21 million, is still $9.6 million short.
"A significant percentage of our fundraising occurs at Christmas," says Captain Les Marshall, Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary. "The Kettle Campaign enables us to provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.8 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society."
All money raised in the Christmas kettles stays in the local community in which it was raised to support programs for people in need. Salvation Army services include shelter for the homeless, rehabilitation for those with addiction, food banks and meal programs and other practical support for individuals and families.
There are a variety of ways that donors can support. In addition to giving to the nearly 2,000 physical kettles that appear on street corners and at retail centres across the country, Canadians can donate to an online kettle at FilltheKettle.com. Supporters of the Army's work can also host an online kettle through the website and invite friends and family via e-mail and social media to donate.
"Although we are currently $9.6 million away from our goal this Christmas, we are grateful to those who have already donated. In addition, we wish to thank the many thousands of volunteers who have assisted on kettles and other activities such as sorting food and toy donations," says Captain Marshall. "As Christmas approaches, we are counting on the incredible generosity of Canadians to help The Salvation Army provide a sense of dignity to marginalized and overlooked people across the country."
The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Loblaw Companies Limited, Walmart Canada, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and many more, who allow Christmas Kettles to be placed at their stores each year.
Donations to the 2013 Christmas Campaign can be made at SalvationArmy.ca or FilltheKettle.com, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4. Donors can also support the 2013 Christmas Campaign by texting HOPE to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly mobile bill.
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. For 130 years, The Salvation Army has given hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 125 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.
Image with caption: "The Salvation Army's annual Christmas campaign is one of Canada's most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. The iconic Christmas kettle is hosted at more than 2,000 storefront, sidewalk and shopping mall locations across the country. (CNW Group/THE SALVATION ARMY)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131218_C5328_PHOTO_EN_35096.jpg
SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY
Share this article