A recent CBC poll asked the question “Do you believe that the word God should stay in Canadian Culture?” The feedback was overwhelming. CBC had the highest number of responses ever for one of their polls. Read the full story

OTTAWA — In a plea to Canadians, the Salvation Army announced last week that, three weeks into a month-long fundraising campaign, the organization was about 40 per cent short of its target.

The lack of donations could be a product of being less visible during warmer months, said Andrew Burditt, spokesman for the Salvation Army, the international religious charity known well for its annual Christmas fundraising campaign.

Or, he said, the shortfall could be part of the hangover some Canadians are feeling as the country slowly recovers from a recession.

“Prior to the recession, our May campaign was slightly higher,” Burditt said. “I’m not surprised the recession caused a little bit of a drop.”

The Salvation Army is not the only charity in Canada that’s been left reeling from the economic downturn.

A report on Canada’s charitable sector published in April found that almost one quarter of registered charities expressed concern about their abilities to continue functioning and delivering their missions.

The report from Imagine Canada, a charitable organization representing charities and non-profit groups, found many organizations were still experiencing the challenges that began when the economy took a turn for the worst; one third of the 1,500 respondents, who were surveyed between November 2009 and January 2010, said they were anticipating difficulties in covering expenses this year, while one quarter said they were concerned their organization might not survive the year.

While the struggle for many Canadian charities continues, others say they have experienced little effect from the recession, mostly due to the generosity of individual Canadians.

“Canadians are incredibly generous,” said Alison Frehlich, spokeswoman for the Canadian Red Cross.

“Despite what might be happening with the economy, Canadians are really generous. They always give what they can.”

The humanitarian organization’s finances are being finalized now, but Frehlich said they look to be on target. She also credited the Red Cross’s ability to weather the recession on diversified fundraising.

“Providing Canadians with different ways to donate helped. So where we might see dips in some places, there are always increases in others,” she said, noting that corporations often have difficulty maintaining donation levels when budgets are being stretched.

But last year, during an annual campaign with Walmart Canada, during which customers are asked to make a small donation while checking out, the Canadian Red Cross raised almost $3 million, beating their target by 20 per cent.

“That helped us compensate for what was lost in other areas.”

The situation is similar with United Way Canada, according to its president, Al Hatton, who said donations were steady between 2007 and 2008, with a slight increase in 2009.

“In terms of corporate sponsorships, it seems people are a still being cautious,” he said.

“But that loss was made up by smaller personal donations. People come forward and step up when they realize times are tougher. That’s the amazing thing.”

Still, Hatton said, Canadians won’t give to just any charity.

“People are still cautious. The losses are still fresh. So when someone donates, they are probably more skeptical and discerning. So the charities better be making a difference.”

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

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

Hope in the City Breakfast 2010

December 2nd, 2010

7:30-9:00AM

Vancouver Convention Centre West

Download sponsorship package here.

Hope in the City Luncheon 2010

November 25th, 2010

11:30am – 1:30pm

Marine Drive Golf Course, Vancouver, B.C.

Download sponsorship package here.

Liz Curtis Higgs Women’s Conference

To register or for more information email Sandy_Armstrong@can.salvationarmy.org

Or go to www.sabcwomen.com

Download the registration package here.

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