Walmart Canada Helps Fill the Kettle for The Salvation Army

TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - With The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign $8 million short of its $21 million goal, the organization is grateful for its continuing partnership with Walmart Canada. Walmart Fill the Kettle Day will be held on Saturday, December 21, with Walmart Canada matching donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $50,000.

Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have donated more than $13 million to The Salvation Army, helping to provide food, shelter and clothing for families that live below or at the poverty line.

"We are pleased to partner with The Salvation Army, one of Canada's largest providers of social assistance, and host our fourth Walmart Fill the Kettle Day," said John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Walmart Canada. "Like Walmart, The Salvation Army is committed to supporting Canadian families in need. We are confident our customers will help them achieve their fundraising goals."

"Walmart Canada has been a strong supporter of The Salvation Army over the past number of years," said Captain Les Marshall, Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary. "The Salvation Army thanks Walmart Canada for their generous support and their desire to see marginalized and overlooked people treated with dignity and respect."

The 2013 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 without discrimination. 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 and many individual retailers 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 every day 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.

About Walmart Canada

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Walmart Canada operates a growing network of more than 380 stores and one of the strongest community involvement programs in Canada. Walmart Canada gives back to local communities in ways that matter most to its customers and associates. In 2012, the company raised and donated more than $22 million to charities and organizations in need. Visit www.walmartcsr.ca for more company information or follow Walmart Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/walmartcanada.

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY