Giving is a Good Thing to Do

by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Feature, Mobile, Newswire
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While thrift store shopping tends to keep money in your wallets, it could also help send a child to camp.

With camping season just around the corner, Salvation Army Thrift stores are collecting funds to give deserving kids from economically disadvantaged homes a camping adventure.

“Camp delivers life-changing moments for kids,” says John Kershaw, Managing Director of The Salvation Army National Recycling Operation.

Daniel loves summer camp because there are blue popsicles and sandcastle contests.

Abby likes camp because it’s the only holiday she will have.

“At camp I learned that I matter,” says Bobby. “No one had told me that before.”

“The sad reality,” continues Kershaw “is that many parents in communities across the country simply cannot afford the luxury of sending their children to camp for a week.”

Last year, customers and businesses raised $99,000, sending 450 kids to camp.

The Salvation Army hopes to give even more children the opportunity to enjoy camp this summer.

Good Works at Work

The “Send a Kid to Camp” campaign is part of Good Works @ Work, whereby more than 120 thrift stores from coast to coast run cause-related drives as a way to express their social responsibility.

“We are raising public awareness about social needs, and initiating causes that impact and support local communities,” says Kershaw.

The thrift stores’ cause- related campaigns have come in a variety of different forms that include:

  • Open Your Hearts & Your Cupboard: a food collection campaign to stock empty shelves at local food banks.
  •  Sponsorship: a fundraising campaign that gives equal opportunity and creates self-worth for children around the world that are cared for by the Army.
  • Give February a Heart: a campaign that encourages donations like clothes and household items that are sold to provide funds that sustain the Army’s community programs.

“Experience the joy of donating with a cause in mind,” says Kershaw. “By doing so you are doing your part in addressing social needs and creating positive change.”