Salvation Army Kettle Campaign $9 Million Behind Target

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign has received over $12 million in donations so far, which leaves it nearly $9 million behind its $21-million fundraising goal. With just six shopping days remaining before Christmas, The Salvation Army is hoping for a strong outpouring of support from the public.

"The Salvation Army is truly grateful for the generosity of Canadians across the country," says Major John Murray, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development. "As we enter into this final week before Christmas, we hope that we will see greater support so that we can meet our fundraising goal. Every dollar donated will help The Salvation Army continue its vital work during Christmas and throughout the year."

With a national $21-million fundraising goal, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units in 400 communities across Canada to help individuals and families with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. Contributions also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating its life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently. Every donation to a Christmas kettle remains in the community in which it was given, in order to help local people in need. Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.9 million people.

"For over 130 years, The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity to people in need through the generosity of our donors and volunteers," says Major John Murray, Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary. "Hosted at more than 2,000 locations across Canada, the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign is our largest fundraising drive of the year and would not be possible without the thousands of kettle workers who volunteer their time."

Each year, The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Bass Pro Shops, Krispy Kreme, and many more, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.

Beyond donating to The Salvation Army's physical Christmas kettles, donations to the 2017 Christmas Campaign can be made at www.FilltheKettle.com, 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.

This year a Salvation Army Kettle App also enables donors to give to The Salvation Army through their mobile devices. The App allows donors to select a Christmas kettle in their community by scanning a QR code or by using an interactive map. Developed with the Royal Bank of Canada, the "Salvation Army Kettle App" can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Supporters can host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate to The Salvation Army. These online kettles can be created at www.FilltheKettle.com.

Donors can also support the 2017 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 one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in 128 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps, and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. 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 media representatives can be found at: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/prcontacts

SOURCE The Salvation Army