In celebration of Earth Day, Buffalo David Bitton located at the St. Vital Shopping Centre in Winnipeg is offering every customer a chance to give a second life to their pre-loved jeans. From April 22 to 30, 2013 (inclusive), customers that bring in an old pair of jeans, will get $20 off the purchase of a new pair of jeans. All donated jeans must be in good condition, and will be donated to the Salvation Army organization.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” states Major Chris Dickens, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Booth Centre, “We are very thankful for the kindness and generosity of customers of Buffalo David Bitton.  These gently used jeans will go a long way in giving hope to those we serve by meeting their material needs. Thank you!”

Winnipeg, MB – On Monday, March 25th, The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre was abuzz with excitement as Premier Greg Selinger announced funding for the Centre’s youth programs through the province’s Sports Opportunities Program.

“We know that investing in sport and recreation opportunities for kids outside of school is crucial to the well-being of our young people and the health of our neighbourhoods,” said Selinger. “We are happy to provide these grants to support community organizations that offer a variety of youth sports programs including soccer, basketball and hockey.”

The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre received $1,980 through the Sport Opportunities Program to purchase sports equipment for its youth drop-in programs.

“Our sports equipment was in very bad shape and needed to be replaced,” explained Samuel Tim, Youth Outreach Coordinator for The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre. “With the funding that was announced we will be purchasing brand new basketballs, badminton racquets, soccer balls and other sports equipment.”

Each week at the Centre over 50 youth from the surrounding neighbourhood take part in drop-in programs from 6 – 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday. During this time youth participate in sports activities such as basketball, badminton, table tennis and other social activities such as learning music and developing good relationships in a safe and accommodating atmosphere.

“The parents and youth are very appreciative of the activities we have here at The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre,” stated Tim. “Parents regularly call us to express thanks and to provide positive feedback regarding the experiences their children are having here. We are very excited to be a positive, transformative part of our community.”

Binyam, a youth who regularly comes to Centre, said he appreciates the opportunity to meet up with friends, have fun and play basketball.

“It’s pretty good, I like coming to the drop in program,” explained Binyam. “You get to meet new people, make friends, learn news skills and play basketball. I also get to volunteer at the Centre. The new equipment will help make a big difference to the youth drop-in program and my community.”

The Salvation Army thanks the Sports Opportunities Program and the Government of Manitoba for helping fund the youth drop-in program at the Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army in making a difference in the lives of our youth, please call (204) 975-1033 or make a donation here.

Winnipeg, MB – The Salvation Army in Winnipeg would like to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all its supporters for helping meet its Christmas Kettle goal of $385,000 in Winnipeg.

“Once again our supporters have proven they are indeed among the most generous in Canada,” says Captain Les Marshall, The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “Our total for funds raised during our Christmas Kettle campaign this Christmas was $385,062.09.  We sincerely appreciate the support and are humbled by the confidence Winnipeggers have shown in investing in The Salvation Army.  This investment empowers The Salvation Army to ensure everyone in our community has access to life’s basic needs.”

Prior to Christmas, there were concerns that The Salvation Army would not meet its $385,000 Christmas Kettle campaign goal.  In fact, just seven days before the Christmas break, The Salvation Army was $150,000 below reaching that goal.  However, a Christmas Miracle did take place with many people coming forward to respond to the need expressed by The Salvation Army.

“After alerting our supporters of our possible shortfall in donations,” explained Captain Marshall, “we witnessed a surge in donations.  For example, one group who called themselves the Victoria Beach Carollers dropped by and gave a donation of $751.63.  Others dropped by with donations of $10, $20, $100 or more.  Each amount pushed us a little closer to our goal.”

The Salvation Army also received a great boost in its efforts to meet its goal with a significant donation made by Manitoba philanthropists, Kirby and Marie Fontaine.  These generous people had been making their way around the city of Winnipeg during the Christmas holidays making donations to local organizations who assist those in need.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Fontaine,” states Major Chris Dickens, Executive Director of The Salvation Army Booth Centre, “their $50,000 donation will go a long way in enabling us to continue to give hope to those who find themselves without permanent housing.  Without their generosity, we would have faced a significant challenge in being able to meet the needs of our clients.”

Each year The Salvation Army in Manitoba provides more than 400,000 meals to those who may otherwise go hungry, shelter for more than 400 people without permanent housing, gifts and hampers to more than 15,000 children needing hope at Christmas, skills training and employment support to new Canadians and the unemployed.

We thank all those who gave to The Salvation Army during the Christmas season and for supporting its annual Christmas Kettle campaign.  When you support The Salvation Army, no amount is too small and every gift makes a big difference in the life of a person in need.  Thank you.

The Salvation Army Prairie Division goal was set at $1.5 million.  During the Christmas Kettle campaign, the Prairie Division raised $1,546,163.01.

Winnipeg, MB – Thank you Winnipeg! The 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM Toy Mountain campaign presented by Scotiabank exceeded this year’s goal of toy and cash donations!

“We are pleased to announce that once again Winnipeggers have really outdone themselves in helping make sure the children of our city had the opportunity to celebrate a very Merry Christmas,” says Captain Les Marshall, The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “During this year’s Toy Mountain campaign a total of $379,623.00 in toys and cash donations were raised.”

This amount exceeded this year’s combined goal of toys and cash donations by nearly $30,000.  The goal for this year was set at $350,000.  With the toys and cash raised this year, The Salvation Army was able to provide a happy Christmas morning to more than 15,000 children.

“The Salvation Army Toy Centre at Weetamah was helping families in need right up to late Christmas Eve,” explains Mark Young, Ministry Director of The Salvation Army Weetamah Centre, “There was one family who contacted us for assistance that night. We were pleased to provide them with toys to ensure their children had something to celebrate Christmas morning.  On Boxing Day we received an email from the grandparents expressing their appreciation to The Salvation Army for making Christmas morning so very exciting and special for their 7 year old granddaughter.”

Since 2005, the Toy Mountain campaign has raised over $1.7 million in toys and cash for The Salvation Army to distribute to those in need.  All funds raised during the campaign go directly to helping The Salvation Army ensure no child goes without during the holiday season.

The 102.3 Clear FM and 92 Citi FM Toy Mountain was presented by Scotiabank.  We would like to thank our other partners who included McDonald’s, Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Winnipeg Police Services, Polo Park and Ashley Furniture as well. Without their support, Toy Mountain would not have been a success.

Winnipeg, MB – QX 104 FM and Virgin Radio 103.1 FM present in partnership with Herzing College ‘One Big Day for Christmas’ in support of Siloam Mission and The Salvation Army.  For some in our city, Christmas is a difficult time with personal resources stretched beyond their limits just trying to provide the basic essentials of life. For many, they turn to Siloam Mission and The Salvation Army for help and assistance to make their Christmas dreams come true.

“To give someone the gift of Christmas is an honour. I just want the best for people, and to be able to help make Christmas a little brighter and warmer for those who need us is an awesome feeling,” says Virgin Radio 103.1 FM’s Ace Burpee.

On Friday, December 14 from 6 am until 11 pm, QX 104 FM and Virgin Radio 103.1 FM will be collecting new and unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items and cash donations as they broadcast live from centre court at Polo Park Shopping Centre.  Special entertainment will be provided by FLO, 5TimesFun, Don Amero and others throughout the day.  Also every donation will earn a ballot to win tickets to Eric Church on February 21 at MTS Centre, Rihanna on March 25 at MTS Centre, and the SOLD OUT Taylor Swift show on June 22 at Investors Group Field.  Supporters will also have the opportunity to win 1 of 2 IKEA living room sets that will be used from the broadcast.

“For most of us there’s no place we’d rather be for Christmas than home. But if you don’t have a home, Christmas can be a very bleak time,” says Floyd Perras, executive director of Siloam Mission. “We’re so grateful for all the generous Manitobans who will join us for this event to make sure that this Christmas, homeless in Winnipeg does not mean hopeless.”

“No dream is too small when you are in need,” says Captain Les Marshall of The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “Year after year prairie people lead the charge across Canada in helping their neighbours. It is because of this generous support The Salvation Army is able to help make dreams come true during the Christmas season.”

All donations received during ‘One Big Day for Christmas’ will go directly to help Siloam Mission and The Salvation Army meet the needs of those they serve this Christmas.

Visit QX 104 or Virgin Radio 103.1 FM for more information.

Visit our Facebook page for photos from the event.

On Tuesday, December 11th and Wednesday December 12th, Impark will be accepting new, unused and unwrapped toys, and in exchange, the donor’s unpaid parking violation notice will be waived.  A single toy donated will waive a single unpaid violation notice. Those with multiple unpaid violations will need to bring an equal number of toys to match the number of Impark parking violation notices they would like waived.

Donors must bring a copy of their violation notice(s) or their license plate number in order to ensure proper credit of their account.

Impark will be accepting toy donations between 9am and 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday at the following location:

Weetamah, Salvation Army
324 Logan Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba

All toys and gifts donated will be used in The Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain campaign.

About Impark

Impark is the largest parking operator in Canada and one of the four largest in North America. Impark currently operates more than 2,000 parking locations comprising over 425,000 parking spaces in Canada and the United States.  For further information on Impark visit www.impark.com.

Winnipeg, MB – Thank you Winnipeg!  It was a heartwarming outpouring of support for the Children during the annual Toy Mountain campaign presented by 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM in partnership with Scotiabank in support of The Salvation Army.  During the three day live broadcast from Polo Park a total of $201,995 in toys and donations were raised to ensure every child in Winnipeg that needs help will have some cheer and joy when they awaken Christmas morning.

“What a fantastic outpouring of support and generosity,” said Captain Les Marshall of The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “It was inspiring and humbling to see crowds of children from schools, parents bringing their young ones, and so many people drop by Toy Mountain with their donations to help ensure every child in need will have a gift under the tree Christmas morning!”

Over the three day live broadcast, December 6^th-8^th by 102.3 Clear FM and 92 Citi FM at Polo Park a total of 10, 500 toys and $44, 495.00 in donations were received for The Salvation Army to distribute to those in need.  All funds raised from the Toy Mountain campaign go directly to ensuring no child goes without during the holiday season.

“The announcers and staff from 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM are once again overwhelmed by the kindness and support received from our listeners and Winnipeggers during the Toy Mountain 3 day broadcast,” says Scott Armstrong, General Manager of Rogers Radio Winnipeg, “Because of you, we are that much closer to making sure that every child has a very Merry Christmas.”

During the Toy Mountain broadcast, McDonald’s provided two beautifully decorated trees containing a wide selection of wonderful prizes to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  The highest bid received was $2800.  McDonald’s also supplied an additional donation of $2500.

This year a combined goal of toys and cash donations has been set at $350,000.  This amount will ensure 15,000 children in need will have their Christmas dreams come true.  Donations are still being accepted at all Winnipeg Scotiabank, Fire Hall and Salvation Army locations.  Donations received here will be added to the final totals for the Toy Mountain campaign.

“On behalf of Scotiabank and all of our employees, we would like to thank our customers and all of the good people of Winnipeg and surrounding area, who have given so generously to support this campaign”, states Boris Kolisnyk, Branch Manager, Scotiabank, Springfield Heights Shopping Centre.

Toy Mountain was presented by 102.3 Clear FM and 92 Citi FM in partnership with Scotiabank.  Other partners included McDonald’s, Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Services, Winnipeg Police Services, Polo Park and Ashley Furniture.

Families in Winnipeg needing assistance from Toy Mountain should call (204) 946-9490 to register.

View photos from 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM live broadcasts on our Facebook page.

Winnipeg, MB – Can you imagine a Christmas without any cheer?  Having your dreams of sugar plums, stuffed stockings and toys under the Christmas tree shattered by the reality that Santa didn’t come to your house?  Neither can we and this is why 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM in partnership with Scotiabank present the 2012 Toy Mountain campaign in support of The Salvation Army.  This year we have set a goal for 15,000 toys for 15,000 kids.

“It is a sad fact of life that, for some children in Winnipeg, there may not be a visit from Santa Claus.  This is something we don’t believe should happen to any child,” explains Captain Les Marshall, Public Relations, The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “With our friends from 102.3 CLEAR FM, 92 CITI FM and Scotiabank we are building a Toy Mountain to ensure each child’s Christmas dream can come true because no dream is too small when you are in need.”

From December 6th – 8th, 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM will be broadcasting live from Centre Court at Polo Park.  We would like to invite all the wonderful people of Winnipeg and the surrounding area to drop by with a new unwrapped toy and cash donation in support of this amazing campaign.  Meet the great personalities you hear on the radio every day and be a key part in helping ensure each child has a special Christmas this year.

Toys and cash donations are also being collected at any Scotiabank location, Winnipeg Fire Hall, or Salvation Army location.

Donate to the 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM Toy Mountain Kettle.

All funds raised from the Toy Mountain campaign will go directly to the Salvation Army. In 2011, Winnipegger’s donated over $300,000 in toys and cash to the Toy Mountain campaign for the Salvation Army to distribute to those in need.

Families in Winnipeg needing assistance from Toy Mountain should call (204) 946-9490 to register.

View photos from 102.3 CLEAR FM and 92 CITI FM live broadcasts on our Facebook page.

Winnipeg, MB – Preliminary results for the three Santa Shuffles held in the Prairie Division (Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina) has shown a significant increase in support.  Each year Running Room and All Weather Windows sponsor Santa Shuffle – a fun race with proceeds going to support The Salvation Army across Canada as it assists families and individuals in need during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

“This year saw a 37% increase of runners in the annual Santa Shuffle and over $39,000 raised in the three cities participating in this year’s race,” says Tsungai Muvingi – Special Events Coordinator, The Salvation Army Prairie Division, “We are extremely excited and pleased with the outpouring of support this year.  A big thank you goes out to all the participants, volunteers and our sponsors, Running Room and All Weather Windows.”

All participants this year received a unique Santa Shuffle Finishers medal.  Photos from the Santa Shuffle can be found on our Facebook page located at:

Regina – 2012 Santa Shuffle Photo Gallery

Winnipeg – 2012 Santa Shuffle Photo Gallery

Join The Salvation Army and Special Guest Emcee Maralee Caruso of CTV News and enjoy great performances by Stone Throw Second, FLO, Winnipeg Youth Chorus, Community Venture Performing Troupe and The Salvation Army Brass Band Ensemble.

Reserve your FREE tickets now For a Night to Remember! Call (204) 975-1033