In Its Final Week, Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Calls on Canadians for Support

As the Christmas season winds down, Salvation Army kettles are only half full. To date, The Salvation Army has collected $8.7 million in the nearly 2,000 kettles on street corners and at retail outlets nationwide, about half of the campaign’s $18 million goal. Kettles will remain on the street until Christmas Eve.

“The week prior to Christmas is always extremely important to the campaign, but we’re asking Canadians to dig especially deep this year if we are going to reach our ambitious goal,” said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. “Demand for Salvation Army service continues at record levels in many areas, so we’re hopeful that giving will pick up in this final week.

“Donations to The Salvation Army are critical for us at Christmas time, with many communities relying heavily on Christmas fundraising to operate programs throughout the year,” continues Moore. “With the money we collect in this year’s Christmas Kettles, we will continue to work to restore hope and dignity for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout 2011.”

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada’s most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. The campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.6 million people in Canada each year. Last year, more than $18 million was raised in the kettles nationwide, an all time record.

Donations to the 2010 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 give by texting “HOPE” to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada.


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