For more than 60 years, Jean Roberts, a native of West Yorkshire, England, wanted to personally say thank you to The Salvation Army in Halifax, N.S. for giving her a glimpse of hope during strict rationing days in post-war England. Read the full story

The unassuming Second World War veteran selflessly served his country with valour. But there was one thing a grateful nation could provide. Read the full story

In Canada, 2008/09 was a difficult year for many. The economy slumped into a recession and Canadians were affected by the downturn. At The Salvation Army we wanted to reflect this reality with our 2008/09 Annual Review. We’re stretching our funds so they go further by creating an Annual Review micro-site entitled, HopeStories.ca.

HopeStories.ca will introduce you to those who trusted The Salvation Army in their time of need. You’ll be able to watch and share stories of hope, comment on them or describe a personal experience that gave you hope.

Visit HopeStories.ca now, watch the trailer and submit your email so we can notify you when the full site launches. While you’re there, share HopeStories.ca on Facebook and Twitter!

We’re excited about this project and we’re looking forward to sharing it with all of you.

As we celebrate Canada on July 1, its wealth and diversity, we recognize the courage and will to survive of those who chose Canada as a place of protection, peace and quality of life because they are subject to danger in their own country. Read the full story

TOR - The Salvation Army is excited to announce a new vision for SalvationArmy.ca. For the past year, the Army has analyzed how the web communicates to the public and how visitors use it. The result is not a redesign, but a new means to enhance its features and the online experience for visitors.

SalvationArmy.ca now presents more images in a clutter-free environment and includes a special place for ‘Salvation Army TV’. More than 100 videos on YouTube highlight the work of The Salvation Army. Online visitors can access this library directly at SalvationArmy.ca

Most importantly, it’s easier than ever to support The Salvation Army through the ‘Giving Hope Online’ tool box. This allows visitors to donate online, sign-up to become a volunteer, make a tax-smart gift or register to follow us on Facebook.

“We are continuing our efforts to be in the forefront of new media communications and Web 2.0 tools,” says Graham D. Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development of The Salvation Army. “Over the next year we will be adding more features to engage our visitors and improve their online experience. We want to empower them with the ability to make a difference in their community, across Canada and around the world.”

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 117 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provide shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at SalvationArmy.ca.

A New Brunswick Principal has canceled the daily singing of O Canada at his elementary school. Read the full story

As Canadians welcomed in 2008, a heated debate arose across the nation on the future of Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan. Now, as we enter 2009, there is no debate that the state of the country’s economy, its impact on jobs and financial portfolios, is causing Canadians to be more nervous than ever. Read the full story

For thousands of members of our Armed Forces around the world, there is only one Gladys. For over two decades, this indefatigable retired Salvation Army pastor has sent a stream of letters to our soldiers, sailors and airmen from her small apartment in Springdale, N.L. Read the full story

The poppy, a symbol of remembrance for those killed in combat, raises $16.5 million annually. This is a testament to Canadians and their wide respect for our troops. All poppy money collected by a Legion branch stays within that local community and pays for medical equipment, home services and long-term care facilities for ex-service people in need of financial assistance.

Did you know?
The poppy should be worn as close to the heart as possible on the left lapel of the outermost garment
An old poppy should never be reused.

Poppy’s found lying on the ground should be placed in a cemetery or at the foot of a war monument.
In 1915, John McCrae, a Guelph, Ont. native and doctor serving with the Canadian Forces Artillery, wrote about the poppy explosion in his famous poem In Flanders Fields.

The average donation for a poppy is a loonie.

In recent years, the distribution of poppies has been steadily climbing. Let’s keep up the trend.