Kettle support helps Army fulfill services

WINNIPEG, MB – The sound of sleigh bells in a shopping mall at Christmas time usually means one thing – The Salvation Army is nearby.

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is one of the country’s most recognizable annual charitable events, supporting a wide range of programs and allowing for greater visibility and awareness in the community. Through your generosity this Christmas season, the campaign raised over $314,000 in Winnipeg.

For many Winnipeggers, kettle “bell ringers” are their only contact with the Army all year. But, for many others in this city, The Salvation Army is a regular part of their day, the lifeline that offers support to them when they are in need, no matter what that need may look like.

Keeping donations local ensures that Salvation Army units have the ability to help people in need with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. Donations also enable The Salvation Army to help people find a way out of poverty through programs such as substance abuse recovery, job and skills training, new Canadian, and educational courses.

Nationally, the campaign raised a total of $22 million, which surpassed the fundraising goal of $21 million across Canada.

“We are truly touched by the generosity of our neighbours, peers and corporate partners, year after year,” said Commissioner Susan McMillan, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “Their continued support allows us to fulfill our mission to help people in need and moves us one step closer to putting an end to poverty in Canada through the provision of life-changing services.”