“When we first received word about the fire, we opened the doors to our church to provide the evacuees with a safe and warm place to go while things were sorted out for them,” explains Jeff Hamel – Community Ministries Supervisor at The Salvation Army Weetamah, “When the evacuees showed up we met their immediate needs by feeding them soup and hot dogs, as well as pastries, juice and coffee. We sat and talked with them, comforting them as they dealt with feelings of hopelessness and despair.”

The work did not stop there.

Since that day, The Salvation Army has been helping coordinate efforts to restore dignity and give hope to the victims of this fire.  In addition to providing clothing, food, and helping arrange living accommodations for those displaced, The Salvation Army Weetamah location has been collecting many donations from the generous people of the city of Winnipeg.

Today The Salvation Army hosted an afternoon tea and coffee for the Sherbrook fire evacuees at its Weetamah location at 324 Logan Avenue.  The evacuees had an opportunity to view and select donated items they can use to help rebuild their lives.  These donations include such things as clothing, house wares, televisions, couches, dining tables, coffee tables, wall units and much more. Larger items will be delivered by The Salvation Army Thrift Stores when evacuees move into more permanent housing.  Many of these items have been donated by people like Winnipeg Firefighter Keith Dixon who have opened up their hearts and wallets in response to this need.

Mr. Dixon happened to be one of the firefighters who responded to the blaze at the Sherbrook Street apartments.  While rescuing a person trapped inside, Dixon injured himself and subsequently found himself off duty to recover.  As he was recovering, he began to think about those who lost everything and how he could still help.

“These people are members of our community.  Our fire hall is just around the corner from where this fire took place,” explains Dixon, “When things happen in our community, we feel it too.  Responding to the fire I got to see firsthand the devastation.  Many of these people couldn’t even afford insurance for their homes and they lost everything.  I decided I wanted to do something to help.”

Immediately Mr. Dixon began to inquire about how best he could help these people in a very practical way.  One of the ways he learned he could help was through the provision of items like underwear and personal hygiene items.  Through his contacts, he got in touch with The North West Company who agreed to help.

“We are very happy to be able to help provide these families with a care package of every day necessities,” says Christine Reimer, Vice President and General Manager, Giant Tiger West. “While we cannot replace memories lost, we hope at the very least we can offer some comforts of home during this difficult time.”

The care packages being supplied by The North West Company include socks, tooth brush and toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, 2 in 1 shampoo, toques and mitts.  Also being provided are $20 Giant Tiger Gift Cards.

“The Salvation Army is grateful for the support of our community members such as firefighter Keith Dixon and The North West Company as they join with many others in helping give hope and dignity to those devastated by the recent fires that have taken place in our city,” states Hamel, “We would like to remind the generous people in our community that if they would like to support the efforts of The Salvation Army by making a donation, please call us at (204) 975-1033.  Donations can also be made by calling 1.800.SAL.ARMY or visiting us online at www.salvationarmy.ca/prairie.”

Photos of Donations

With your help and support, you donated over $368,000.00 in the kettles, online at fillthekettle.com, ikettles and by using QR codes – a new record!

With the money that was donated this Christmas, 5000 families and 15000 children were helped through services such as our Christmas Food and Toy Hamper program. In comparison to last year, 4000 families and 12000 children received assistance and $342,000.00 was raised.

“As more and more people are reaching out to The Salvation Army for help and support, generous Winnipeggers stepped up and gave more than they ever have before, helping us to meet the increased need.  We are so thankful and grateful for all the support we have received at The Salvation Army once again this year”. Captain Les Marshall, Salvation Army PR Director.

Also, a special thanks to all of the kettle workers who provided more than 6300 hours of service during the campaign.

Participating Partners

Thank-you to all the many locations who allowed us to place a kettle in their building; Canadian Tire – Unicity, City Place, Garden City Mall, Kildonan Place, MLCC – Charleswood, Madison, Crestview, Grace Hospital, MTS Centre, Polo Park – Sears, Food Court, Centre Court, Portage Place - Food Court, St Vital Mall – Sears, Sport Chek, Superstore – Bison, McPhillips, St Annes, Portage, Kenaston, Sargent, Walmart – Kenaston, Regent, Unicity, St Marys, and Winnipeg Square.

Also, thanks to the following automotive dealerships who generously donated “Santa Vans” for the Campaign – Mid Town Ford, Eastern Chrysler, Murray Chevrolet, Vickar Community Chevrolet, Birchwood Automotive Group.

More information on this record setting year can also be found online at:

Winnipeg Free Press – “Christmas Kettles Stuffed with Cash”
SalvationArmy.ca – “Kettle Campaign Surpasses Goal“

Those in attendance were encouraged to join with the local Food Bank to provide food and donations to assist families during the Christmas season. Earlier in the day the CP Holiday Train had stopped at North Portal, and made a similar appeal to those who were in attendance.

At the end of the day the total amount of $ 3,500 and over 1,600 lbs of food was collected for the Salvation Army Food Bank. Major Len Millar stated: This has been an amazing day. The generosity of the people of Estevan and area continue to impress me.

This coming together to support each other is what the season is truly all about – giving rather than receiving.

Major Karen Hoeft and Manitoba Lt. Governor Philip Lee sing Carols at Annual Christmas Dinner

Winnipeg, MB – With outside temperatures plunging, the residents of the Winnipeg Hotel Group found themselves in a tight spot when the heating system in their complex gave out this past week. Very quickly 14 people found themselves without a roof over their heads through no fault of their own. Like so many others in Winnipeg who find themselves in need of a place to stay, they turned to The Salvation Army Booth Centre for emergency shelter.

“At The Salvation Army Booth Centre we have 360 beds to accommodate individuals on any given night. Night after night we operate at nearly 95% capacity. We also operate emergency and cold weather shelter, which means when temperatures reach -20, including wind chill, we can expand our capacity to provide bedding for another 60 or so people. There have been times when we have reached 130% capacity. It is our goal to ensure that we have enough space for anyone choosing to seek refuge from the cold has an option to do so,” explains Major Karen Hoeft, Assistant Executive Director of The Salvation Army Booth Centre.

Throughout the year, the Booth Centre also provides an average of 895 meals each and every day to those in need – that equals more than 326,000 meals in 2011 alone! This Wednesday, December 14th, an army of volunteers will descend on the Booth Centre to spread some Christmas cheer to residents of the centre, their family and friends as well as other community residents. A team of festive volunteers and dignitaries such as Lt. Governor Philip Lee, Minister of Housing Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism Flor Marcelino, Winnipeg Police Chief Keith McCaskill, other city counsellors and Winnipeg Advisory Board members for The Salvation Army.

This year’s Christmas Dinner menu features turkey, ham, potatoes, mixed vegetables, stuffing, cranberries, gravy, dinner rolls, coconut and chocolate cream pies as well as coffee, tea and juice. The first meal will be served to current residents of The Salvation Army Booth Centre at 4:30 pm. Once these have been served and fed, the next group will enter for their sitting.

“We expect to serve over 1000 special guests from our community this year,” states Major Hoeft, “As guests arrive they will be invited to the chapel for a time of entertainment, carol singing and a holiday devotional presented by one of the local Salvation Army ministers. This year we are again privileged to have By Choice, a band from MacGregor area performing at the chapel. During the Christmas Dinner, guests will be entertained by a local Salvation Army brass band in the dining room.”

“Each year, The Salvation Army Booth Centre hosts over 2500 individuals. Many of the people served by The Booth Centre struggle with the effects of poverty, homelessness and addiction. For a number of our guests, they may find themselves in a situation not unlike the 14 residents of the Winnipeg Hotel Group. Out of the blue they find themselves in need of emergency shelter and assistance. No matter who needs help, no matter their station in life, The Salvation Army is ready and prepared to Give Hope Today,” explains Major Hoeft.

View CBC News coverage of the Christmas Dinner here:  Salvation Army Serves Up Dinner

Pinball Clemons interacting with audience

Winnipeg, MB – On Wednesday November 16th The Salvation Army hosted its 7th Annual Hope in the City Breakfast with special guest Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons.  Nearly 600 guests were treated not only to a great breakfast of scrambled eggs and scallions, breakfast potatoes, bacon, orange juice and various teas and coffees, but also a very energetic and inspirational talk by Pinball.  During the breakfast guests and supporters were also shown how the various programs and services of The Salvation Army are hard at work giving hope and dignity to our community.

Visuals of our work on the front lines during the recent flood season, feeding and housing those in desperate need of shelter, assisting new Canadians as they settle in, meeting the needs of our Seniors and providing a place for Spiritual growth and support at any one of our 40 ministry units in the city of Winnipeg were on display for all to see.  On location at the Winnipeg Convention Centre was one of our Community Response Vehicles.  This vehicle is operated by The Salvation Army and the Winnipeg Retired Firefighters.  Each day this vehicle is used to respond to emergencies in our city such as flooding, fires and accidents as well as functioning as a mobile canteen providing hot meals for those who require food and shelter.

This year’s breakfast was MC’ed by Kerri Salki of 102 Clear FM and Joe Aiello of 92 CITI FM.  This dynamite duo provided some great entertainment for our audience through their interactions with each other and our guest speakers.  Greetings from the Province of Manitoba were given by Premier Greg Sellinger.  The Premier also helped kick off our annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.  Nic Mundey, Chair of The Salvation Army Winnipeg Citizen’s Advisory Board, brought greetings on behalf of The Salvation Army and Jim Kurz, Manager of Scotiabank Main Branch helped launch the 2011 Toy Mountain Campaign.  This year’s Toy Mountain goal is 15,000 toys for 15,000 children.

Keynote Speaker at this year’s Hope in the City Breakfast was two time CFL All-Star and 2008 Canadian Football Hall of Famer, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons.  Pinball thrilled the audience with his electrifying presentation as he interacted directly with many of the guests.  Through his presentation, Pinball inspired us all by illustrating what is possible and what it means to beat the odds.  He also highlighted a number of the past year’s accomplishments of The Salvation Army such as the fact that each day The Salvation Army provides on average 897 meals to those who need food and shelter.

We would like to acknowledge the support and generosity of our sponsors:

Hope Sponsors

Dignity Sponsors

Grace Sponsors

Kettle Sponsors

Photo Gallery

Pinball signing autograph for young fan.	Pinball speaking to Audience
Keynote Speaker - Michael "Pinball" Clemons	Kerri Salki of 102 Clear and Drew Kozub of Citytv
Captain Les Marshall being interviewed by CTV's Rachel Lagace	Mr. Jim Kurz of Scotiabank launching Toy Mountain Campaign
Premier Sellinger helping kick off Christmas Kettle Campaign	Mr. Nic Mundey, Chair of Winnipeg Advisory Board brings greetings
Salvation Army Brass Band	Hope in the City
Hope in the City	Michael "Pinball" Clemons

Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison addressing the crowd

Saskatoon, SK – The Salvation Army celebrated the grand re-opening of the new Bethany Home – a residence for young women to find safety and solace, a place to find hope and dignity. 

The facility offers room and board, educational support, life-skills while learning about community resources, goal setting, training, anger management counseling, and so much more. 

This new modern day facility is located at 203 Cruise Street in a family oriented, quiet, residential neighbourhood in Eastern Saskatoon.  

“Hope and dignity, safety and acceptance, support and care are all things that we as The Salvation Army Bethany Home strive to provide to the young women who come through our doors,” says Community Services Executive Director Major Malba Holliday. “This new facility gives us the opportunity to continue this work for young women in our community who are trying to better their lives.” 

Holliday also states, “currently the Bethany Home is housing 10 young women between the ages of 13-to-18, each with their own room and shared common areas. Staff are in attendance 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. Employees are trained to ensure safety for clients and help them take the next steps toward secure, safe and stable housing.”

See more photo’s of the event on our facebook page: The Salvation Army Prairie Division

Regina, SK – The 2011 Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign kicked off in Regina at the Northgate mall. 

This year’s goal is $150,000 inRegina, up from the $120,000 goal which we far exceeded in 2010 when we raised over $160,000. 

“The Salvation Army kettle donations are so vital,” says Community Services Director Major Doug Binner. “Much of the money raised goes to the Salvation Army Christmas hampers ensuring everyone gets a chance at Christmas.” 

Christmas hampers help poverty stricken and low income families which includes a complete Christmas meal and new toys for each child in the family. Last year over 800 families recieved support.

The money also goes towards the year-to-year basic needs such as emergency food, clothing, work training programs, camp for underprivileged kids and the homeless. 

People wishing to donate can find our kettles at several locations, including: 

-    All three (3) Wal-Mart locations                  

-     Both (2) Superstore locations                   

-     Northgate Mall                                                 

-    South Liquor Store

-    East Liquor Store

-    Southland Mall                                                 

-    Dewdney Liquor Store

-    CornwallCentre   

-    Normanview Liquor Store         

 -    Costco 

Also, for the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army has introduced and expanded its high tech options to donate by using a debit machine, scanning a quick response code (QR code) with a smart phone, or by creating and hosting your own iKettle (an online kettle which you can customize and invite others via email to donate and fill). 

You can also donate online by visiting www.fillthekettle.com. 

Volunteers would also be much appreciated to help man the kettles. If you can volunteer please call 757-4600 or visit our office at 2240 13^th Avenue.

Toy Mountain - Live Broadcast December 8-10th at Polo Park

Winnipeg, MB - All Children dream of a visit from Santa.  But for some, it’s just that.  A dream.  Every child deserves a magical Christmas and you can help!  This year The Salvation Army has teamed up with our friends at 92CITIFM, 102 CLEAR FM, Scotiabank and Winnipeg Fire Fighters to build a Toy Mountain.

We invite you to drop off a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation at any Winnipeg Scotiabank, Salvation Army or Winnipeg Fire Hall location.  You can even drop off your gift at the 92 CITI and 102 CLEAR live Toy Mountain broadcast taking place at Polo Park on December 8th, 9th and 10th.

Jim Kurz, Branch Manager with Scotiabank states, “Unfortunately these tough economic times mean that many families are already stretched to the limit financially with many not being able to provide a gift for their child or children at Christmas.  This year we have set a goal of 15,000 toys for 15,000 children here in Winnipeg.  All toys and cash donations received will go directly to The Salvation Army to distribute as they work to ensure every child has something special under the tree this year.”

When you are out and about this year shopping for Christmas, why not pick up an extra gift to help some child experience the wonder and joy of receiving a Christmas gift under the tree?  We accept new, unwrapped toys for all ages.  We especially need gifts for teens.  Drop your donation off at any Scotiabank, Salvation Army or Winnipeg Fire Hall location.

For families wishing to register with our Toy Mountain campaign, please call 946-9490.

Click here to listen to 92 CITI FM Toy Mountain radio ads.

[audio:http://www.salvationarmy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/CITI-FM-Toy-Mountain-Promo-2011.mp3|titles=CITI FM Toy Mountain Promo 2011]

Click here to listen 102 CLEAR FM Toy Mountain radio ads.

[audio:http://www.salvationarmy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/CLEAR-FM-Toy-Mtn-2011-3x30-REV.mp3|titles=CLEAR FM Toy Mtn 2011 3x30 REV]

CJME Santas Anonymous officially launched at the Salvation Army in Regina on Monday. It’s the 42nd straight year Rawlco Radio and the Salvation Army are helping kids in need at Christmas. Dozens of barrels can be found at shopping malls and businesses all over the city. The program collects toy donations for less fortunate kids. The Salvation Army’s Val Wiks says the need continues to grow. “Even as more people are working, we see less people on assistance coming for help now than we do people that have a job because there’s just the expenses. Housing is so much. Power is so much,” said Wiks. Families can register by visiting the Salvation Army. In all 1,800 families received help last year. Residents can donate new, unwrapped presents for children aged 0-12 between Nov. 14 and Dec. 13. The presents will then be wrapped at the Regina and District Food Bank on Dec. 17 and donated to families in need.

Locations of donation barrels include:

The locations include:

– All Conexus Credit Union locations
– Southland Mall
– Golden Mie
– Normanview Mall
– Northgate Mall
– Cornwall Centre
– Victoria Square Mall
– Canada Life
– Enbridge Pipe Lines
– Canadian Tire (south and north locations)
– London Drugs
– Toys ‘R’ Us
– Walmart (east and south locations)
– Rona
– First Bus Canada
– CIBC
– SGEU
– Days Inn
– Speaker House
– Winners/Homesense
– TCU Financial
– Travel Gallery
– Superstore (east and north locations)

For more infomation, contact Amber Morse at 525-0000.

Pictures of the kick-off event held at The Salvation Army below:

Winnipeg, MB

The Salvation Army and its Winnipeg Citizen’s Advisory Board cordially invite the general public to join them 7:30 am Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre for the 7th Annual Hope in the City Breakfast.  Tickets are $40 each.  This is an opportunity to see what The Salvation Army has been able to accomplish and to meet some of those who have made our success possible.  We will also be launching this year’s Christmas campaign at the Hope in the City Breakfast with guest speaker Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Canadian Football Hall of Famer and two time CFL All-Star.

CFL All-Star and Hall of Famer, Michael 'Pinball' Clemons

Renowned as one of pro football’s most electrifying players, Toronto Argonauts running back Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons was the CFL’s all-time all purpose yardage leader. Pinball’s tireless community involvement and participation in countless charitable causes such as The Salvation Army, exemplify the qualities he possesses, which are so rarely found in today’s professional athletes. He has used his superb leadership and communication skills in former roles of Coach, President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts – and now as the vice-chairman of the franchise. In 2001, Clemons was honoured with the Order of Ontario, and he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Pinball’s presentations are at once captivating and empowering, clearly demonstrating the capabilities of teamwork. Pinball inspires his audiences by illustrating what is possible and what it means to beat the odds. His heartfelt stories are communicated with a passionate spirit and his patented, contagious smile. His presentations are responded to with rave reviews and overwhelming enthusiasm. His exceptional character and outstanding athletic ability make him a remarkable fan favourite throughout Canada.

This is your opportunity to show your support and commitment to help The Salvation Army Give Hope Today! Tickets cost $40.  Make your reservation to attend by calling (204)975-1033.