Third Annual Walmart Canada Fill the Kettle Day a Huge Success

More than $250,000 raised in one day

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - On December 21, Walmart Canada hosted its third Walmart Fill the Kettle Day. Individual Canadians generously responded by donating more than $150,000 to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in Walmart stores across the country and Walmart Canada matched with a corporate donation of $100,000. In total, more than $250,000 was raised during this one day with Walmart Canada's support.

Donations to The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign have lagged a bit in 2012, and The Salvation Army was thrilled when Walmart Canada announced on Wednesday that it would once again help with its third Walmart Fill the Kettle Day. Walmart Canada agreed to match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $100,000.

"The Salvation Army is extremely grateful to Walmart Canada for their continued strong support," said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. "Walmart Canada has proven once again that they are committed to the work of The Salvation Army and have a strong desire to help families in communities across our country."

Walmart Canada has become a strong supporter of The Salvation Army over the past number of years. Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have donated $10 million to The Salvation Army, helping to provide food, shelter and clothing for families that live below or at the poverty line.

The 2012 Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army 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. The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada's most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including and many individual retailers, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores each year.

The Salvation Army's Christmas kettles can be seen in nearly 2,000 locations across Canada and remain a very effective way to donate and support the ongoing work of the organization. Beyond donating to The Salvation Army's physical Christmas Kettles, donations to the 2012 Christmas Campaign can be made at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.

Donors can also support the 2012 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. 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