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

The Salvation Army’s Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief fund received a significant boost with a generous donation from Mr. Frank Flaman of the Frank Flaman Foundation in Edmonton last Thursday.

The Divisional Commander of Alberta, Major Fred Waters, and Karen Diaper, from the Public Relations office, met with Mr. Flaman, and were thrilled to receive the $250, 000 donation.

The Frank Flaman Foundation was created to assist existing charitable organizations provide their valuable services to the community.

The Salvation Army’s work began in Haiti in 1950. Currently, services offered include 3 medical facilities, social service institutions and dozens of schools serving more than 10,000 children.

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, the W. Garfield Weston Foundation presented a donation of $1.5 million to The Salvation Army Homestead in Toronto, a residential recovery program for women who are struggling with substance abuse issues, for urgently needed building renovations.

The donation from the Foundation will provide much needed infrastructure renovations in the heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and the installation of an elevator will enable Homestead to support women with mobility restrictions.

“We greatly appreciate the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation,” says Major Elizabeth Price, Executive Director, Homestead. “The renovations will make our residential space cleaner, safer and brighter and will enable us to serve a broader population of women by offering new services as we give women new hope for recovery.”

The donation was made in honour of the late Miriam Burnett, who devoted 30 years of hard work as Chairman of the Foundation. Says Charles Burnett III, son of Miriam Burnett, “Over her lifetime, my mother dedicated herself to extending kindness and understanding to those in need.”

ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD

The Salvation Army Homestead, located in downtown Toronto and in Scarborough, is a residential, day and community-based program for women 18 and older who are dealing with substance abuse issues.
Treatment options are: a ten-week residential program that houses 18 clients at a time in downtown Toronto; a ten-week day treatment program at the downtown site; a ten- week day treatment program located in the heart of Scarborough.

Salvation Army programs are holistic and abstinence-based. The treatment model includes relapse prevention, life skills and twelve-step classes, group and individual counselling. Trained staff support women on their journey to recovery and self empowerment, in an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and safety.

The Homestead also offers community-based programs for women who may not be participating in residential or day programs. They include relapse prevention, anger management and after care. It also offers a support and information groups for friends and families of its clients.

The Homestead was founded in 1955 in Toronto and was located in another building for a few years. In 1961, the present location at 78 Admiral Road, became available and has been helping women at this location since.

Laurie Williamson presents a cheque to Captain David Allen in Mississauga, Ont. Over the past five years, he’s donated $50,000 to the Army

The Salvation Army gives hope to thousands across the country each year, and I’m sure they get some strange requests. But I’m pretty certain that a tuba never made it to their list until that day in 1996.

An Unexpected Request
My son, Tyler, was born in 1980. Diagnosed as autistic, he contracted leukemia at the age of 16. From July to December of 1996, he was in terrible pain and finally had to be admitted to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children in November.

As Christmas approached, Tyler’s condition improved enough that the doctors gave us permission to bring him home over the holidays.

Tyler was due to be released the Friday before Christmas. We were overjoyed but we didn’t expect his reaction to the news.

“Oh, that’s OK,” he said. “I’ll stay here, thanks.” Many children who have been hospitalized for long stretches prefer to be where they feel secure, knowing they’ll have around-the-clock care.

One thing helped change his mind. My music-loving son suddenly announced the day before his scheduled departure that he would indeed go home with us—but only if we could get him a tuba. Tyler had always wanted to learn how to play and this was his chance. Maybe his last chance.

A tuba?! Where was I going to get a tuba overnight? All the stores were closed and it’s not like you can pick one up at a drive-thru.

Impossible Request
Frantic, I made a telephone call. I’d worked closely with Major Doug Hefford of The Salvation Army, one of my Rotary Club colleagues. If anyone could help, it was him.

“I need a tuba,” I told Doug over the phone. “Why?” he replied, not the least bit fazed by the request. I told him my story.

“When do you need it?” he asked.

“In less than 24 hours.”

“For how long?” he queried, not missing a beat.

“I don’t know. Probably just over the Christmas holidays.”

While I knew The Salvation Army was famous the world over for their bands and their music, I realized this was probably an impossible request.

Unforgettable Christmas
What happened next will always be a mystery to me. I don’t know how many favours Doug had to call in or where he got it, but a tuba was in my house the next day—and so was my son. He played that thing every minute that he could, all through the holidays!

From that point on, my son renamed The Salvation Army “The Celebration Army” in honour of what they did for him.

“Doug,” I wrote him in a thank-you note, “you made a sick boy very happy. The thrill on his face made the last two months seem far away. The battle is far from over but this weekend was a major gain for us all.”

Acquiring that tuba on such short notice was the most unselfish act I’ve ever experienced in my life. Without it, we would have had to celebrate Christmas in the hospital. It was one of the only times our family was all together during those six months. It was a Christmas we never forgot.

There for All
Despite a bone-marrow transplant, the cancer returned when Tyler was 19 and we lost him in 2000. I never forgot the kindness of The Salvation Army officers who ministered to our family and the dozens of others at the hospital.

Now I give back through my car dealership and through volunteer efforts with the Army, not just at Christmas but all year around.

I’ve learned Salvation Army members do that kind of thing all the time, from helping those with addictions to mounting massive rescue efforts in the face of calamity. And
through their kettle campaign, millions of dollars are raised to help thousands of children. They do it with no questions or remuneration asked. If you need help, they’re there.

by Laurie Williamson

PHOTO CREDIT: SNAP Mississauga

Time Is Running Out To Help Others in Need This Christmas

BARRIE, ON, Dec. 17 /CNW/ – With more people coming to its doors in need of assistance this Christmas, The Salvation Army is in need of getting its Christmas Kettles filled. In the Simcoe, Parry Sound and Muskoka Regions, Salvation Army Bell-Ringers are waiting for your donation.

“The need is up, time is running out, and Christmas is almost here,” says Jeffrey Robertson, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “It’s incredible to see the need for Christmas assistance.”

With only a week to go before the Kettles are tucked away for another year, the North Region of The Salvation Army has a long way to go to meet its targets. “As of today, we still have over $400,000 to raise in this region”, says Robertson, “but I know that the people in this region are wonderful and generous….I am confident that we will find a way.”

Money raised at Christmas supports the local work of The Salvation Army year round, providing food, clothing, housing, counseling, and other practical services.

Volunteers are needed to stand at a kettle. If you can help by volunteering your time or can make a financial gift, please contact your local Salvation Army office or visit www.SalvationArmy.ca for further information.

Kettles have collected $8 million in donations, halfway to $16 million goal

Toronto, ON December 17, 2009 – With just a few days left until Christmas, The Salvation Army is calling on Canadians, nationwide, to generously support its National Christmas Campaign. Christmas Kettles are currently at 50 percent of their final overall goal. To date, these Kettles have raised close to $8 million in donations, and they will need an additional $8 million if they are to meet the $16 million collected in 2008.

“We are relying on the generous support of Canadians everywhere to help us reach our goal of $16 million,” said Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director with The Salvation Army. “With strong support, we will be able to meet the growing number of clients requesting our services.”

The Salvation Army estimates that client demand has increased by 10-40 percent across the country. Locally, The Salvation Army has seen recent spikes at feeding centres, food banks and Christmas hamper drives. Additionally, recent studies conducted by The Salvation Army have indicated an elevated need present amongst Canada’s homeless and working poor. Each Kettle donation supports Canadians in need, many of whom have only recently faced unemployment and economic uncertainty.

“In the last 18 months there has been a dramatic shift in our economy, and this shift has impacted the resources of charitable organizations, like The Salvation Army,” said Burditt. “Donations are critical for us at Christmas time and throughout the year. Last year’s donations helped more than 1.5 million people gain access to programs providing food, shelter and family services.”

Contributions to the 2009 Christmas Campaign can be made at your local kettle, online at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by texting the word ‘HOPE’ to 45678 to make a $5.00 donation from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility mobile phone. Standard text messaging rates will apply, and the amount will appear on the cellphone user’s next bill. This service is provided by Mobile Marketing from Zipgive, a division of Zipstripe Corp. Donations can also me mailed to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.


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 118 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

With just a few days left until Christmas, Salvation Army kettles are only at 50% of their goal. “This last week of fundraising will be a true test for The Salvation Army,” says Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director with The Salvation Army. Read the full story

Salvation Army donations are a critical part of the organization’s survival and are used to fund various programs and services. Last year, more than 1.5 million people were helped by The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada and serves in 400 communities across the country. Below are brief descriptions of just some of the services that The Salvation Army provides.

Christmas Hampers and Holiday Meals

Last Christmas, The Salvation Army distributed food hampers valued at close to $5,000,000, an increase of $606,654 over the previous year. In addition to these hampers, 4,800 special Christmas dinners were served.

Feeding Programs

Hunger is a growing problem in Canada. Raw data recently collected by The Salvation Army shows the need for food banks and feeding programs to be greater than ever. Currently, The Salvation Army operates more than 275 food banks and feeding programs from coast to coast. At many of these facilities supplies are dwindling while the demand for basic human needs continues to increase.

Community and Family Services

The Army cares for people at their crisis point. In keeping with the philosophy of our Founder, William Booth, we work to restore hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society. In 2009, 868,000 persons were assisted with food, clothing or practical needs.



Homeless Services

The Salvation Army provides 6,370 shelter beds, one-quarter of all the shelter beds in Canada, for the homeless each night through a national network of 52 shelters and hostels.



Addictions Services

Each year, the Army assists close to 10,000 individuals with chronic addictions. In a proactive initiative, our non-residential prevention programs help to reach people before they lose control of their lives. In 2009, 2,000 people successfully completed Salvation Army addiction programs.



Safe Houses

Hundreds of thousands of women and children in Canada are victims of abuse within the family. Salvation Army facilities are a safe haven for many of them. In a secure environment the healing begins and people receive the practical help they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

The Salvation Army’s programs are life-changing, and your continued support of them means that more lives are restored every year.

Aeropostale, a New York-based clothing company that produces a popular teen line, donated 1,000 new coats worth an estimated $69,000 to The Salvation Army in Midland, Ont.

“This donation is a tremendous boost to our efforts to help the less fortunate in our area,” says Peter Thomas, director of community and family services for The Salvation Army.
Thomas noted many families cannot afford to purchase winter coats, especially if there are several teenagers in the family.

Extra coats will be sent to Salvation Army locations in Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Parry Sound and Collingwood.

Aeropostale has donated 100,000 jackets to coat drives across the continent. The project is part of the company’s yearlong initiative to improve the lives of the growing number of homeless teens throughout the U.S. and Canada

From Monday, December 7, to Friday December 18, employees will drop unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable food items in barrels in the lobby of the national headquarters in Toronto.

“We want to do our part in giving hope this Christmas to those in our community who suffer from the heartache of poverty,” says Andrew Burditt, territorial public relations director.

Across the country Canadians continue to give generously to those who have met with hard times. How are you making a difference in your community?