The Salvation Army's 124th Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign Surpasses Fundraising Goal

Donations Will Help The Salvation Army's Work in 400 Communities Across Canada

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Thanks to contributions from donors, volunteers and community partners, The Salvation Army raised $22 million dollars during its 124^th annual Christmas Kettle Campaign. Donations to the campaign will remain in the local communities in which they were raised and will help The Salvation Army in the fight against poverty throughout Canada.

"We are truly touched by the generosity of our neighbours, peers and corporate partners, year after year," said Commissioner Susan McMillan, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. "Their continued support allows us to fulfill our mission to help people in need and moves us one step closer to putting an end to poverty in Canada through the provision of life-changing services."

The Christmas Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army's annual fundraiser, and the largest charitable effort of the year for the nonprofit organization. Keeping donations local ensures that Salvation Army units have the ability to help people in need with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. Donations also enable The Salvation Army to help people find a way out of poverty through programs such as substance abuse recovery, job and skills training, and educational courses.

The Salvation Army's success during this year's Christmas Kettle Campaign is due in part to its corporate supporters, which included:

• Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life donated $50,000 to The Salvation Army in November to launch the Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• Walmart Canada partnered with The Salvation Army for "Walmart Fill the Kettle Day" on Saturday, December 20, matching contributions made to Salvation Army Christmas Kettles in its stores up to a maximum donation of $50,000.
• Other corporate partners that helped The Salvation Army by hosting Christmas Kettles included Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and more.

"Without our corporate supporters, The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign would not be successful," said 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."

The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity to millions of Canadians for more than 130 years through the generosity of donors and volunteers. Christmas Kettles are hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, and thousands of kettle workers volunteer their time to staff each kettle. The 2014 Christmas Kettle Campaign ran from November 17 to December 24, 2014.

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 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

SOURCE The Salvation Army

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http://www.SalvationArmy.ca