The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign Raises Over $22 Million

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that it raised over $22 million through its Christmas Kettle Campaign, surpassing its $21-million goal. With a growing demand for its services across the country, The Salvation Army will use the additional money to fund its much-needed programs in 400 communities across the country. All of the kettle donations remain in the local communities in which they were raised and enable The Salvation Army to help vulnerable people with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. Contributions also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating life-changing programs such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty.

"We are truly grateful for the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community partners, which enables us to help struggling Canadians during the Christmas season and throughout the year," says Commissioner Susan McMillan, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.  

Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is the organization's largest fundraising drive of the year and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time.

The Salvation Army's success during the Christmas Kettle Campaign also comes from the significant assistance of its corporate supporters, which included Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and more. Walmart Canada, who partnered with The Salvation Army for "Walmart Fill the Kettle Day" on Saturday, December 19, also matched contributions on that day to a maximum of $100,000.

"Without our corporate supporters, The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign would not be successful," says Commissioner McMillan. "Their support allows us to raise awareness of our efforts to provide essential services to vulnerable people and provides a convenient way for their generous customers to donate to our work."

Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.85 million people in need. More information about the work of The Salvation Army can be found in our Annual Review at: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/annualreview2014-2015/.

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 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.

A list of regional PR representatives can be found here: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/prcontacts.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

Image with caption: "The Salvation Army is pleased to announce that it raised over $22 million through its Christmas Kettle Campaign, surpassing its $21-million goal. With a growing demand for its services across the country, The Salvation Army will use the additional money to fund its much-needed programs in 400 communities across the country. (CNW Group/The Salvation Army)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160107_C7930_PHOTO_EN_593365.jpg

John McAlister, National Director of Marketing and Communications, The Salvation Army, 416-467-3186, [email protected], www.SalvationArmy.ca