Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life donate $50,000 in support of The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Campaign

Toronto, ON December 6, 2011 – The Salvation Army is very pleased to receive a $50,000 contribution from Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life toward its 2011 Annual Christmas Campaign. Funds raised during this important campaign support vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

“Throughout 2011, The Salvation Army has focused on the fundamental right of dignity for all,” says Commissioner Brian Peddle, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda. “This donation recognizes the importance of that goal and will go a long way to giving hope and restoring dignity to some of the 3 million Canadians living in poverty each year in Canada.”

Through their national corporate citizenship program, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life are working collaboratively with charities across the country to achieve lasting change.

Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President of Community Affairs, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life, says the contribution reflects a goal to help build communities where Canadians have opportunities to reach their potential, to lead healthy and productive lives, and to make life better for those around them.

“Together with our staff and distribution associates, many of whom are also volunteers with charitable organizations in their communities, we know the Salvation Army is delivering urgent front line assistance to Canadians in need. At a time of the year that heightens demand for these social services, we’re making this contribution to support the Salvation Army’s efforts and help those less fortunate.”

This generous donation is a wonderful way to start the 2011 Christmas Campaign. With one in 11 Canadians living in poverty, support for the work of The Salvation Army is as important as ever. A significant portion of The Salvation Army’s annual fundraising revenue is collected during the Christmas season with donations going to support more than 1.7 million people in more than 400 communities across the country.

Donations to the 2011 Christmas Campaign can be made at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.

Donors can also support the 2011 Christmas Campaign by texting HOPE to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly mobile bill.

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 more than 120 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
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

OR

Marlene Klassen, APR
Assistant Vice-President, Communication Services
Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
(204) 946-7705