Salvation Army Announces May as Dignity Month
Toronto, ON, May 4, 2011 – The Salvation Army is announcing May as Dignity Month in support of the Dignity Project and its annual Red Shield Campaign. The Campaign aims to raise money to fight poverty across Canada.
The Salvation Army’s Dignity Project launched in March with a goal of educating the public about the reality of poverty in the 21st century – underscoring that everyone deserves the fundamental right of human dignity. This concept continues into the month of May with a number of events planned nationwide, including:
• Dignity Speaks: An evening of education and entertainment featuring music and guest speakers sharing Salvation Army success stories. The event, taking place on Sunday, May 15 at the Harbour Light in downtown Toronto will feature Juno-award-winning artists Downhere and up-and-coming band Hark the Herons. Herbie Kuhn, the voice of the Toronto Raptors, will host the evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.salvationarmy.ca/dignityspeaks.
• Local Dignity Events: Throughout the month of May, The Salvation Army and its local divisions will host events focusing on the concept of dignity. These events will be highlighted on a Google Map, similar to the “Fill the Kettle” map using during The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. The map will include the location, time and more information about each local dignity event.
• Partnership with BioPed: BioPed’s goodytwoshoes foundation is teaming up with The Salvation Army to provide footwear to Canada’s most vulnerable. On May 18th, BioPed will close its clinic doors to distribute shoes and conduct routine foot assessments and foot-related education to Salvation Army shelters across Canada.
• Homelessness Perceptions Report: Later this month, The Salvation Army will release a report including new national polling data from the Angus Reid Forum on perceptions of homelessness in Canada. The report is part of the Army’s continuing effort to educate the public about perceptions and attitudes surrounding marginalized people in society today.
• Red Shield Campaign: For more than 90 years, The Salvation Army in Canada has promoted the annual Red Shield Campaign. Traditionally launched during the month of May, this fundraising appeal targets donors to raise money for programs and services available to the more than 3 million Canadians living in poverty today. Last year, $2.7 million was raised to help The Salvation Army feed, clothe, shelter and otherwise care for more than 1.6 million Canadians. This year, the campaign goal is $X million.
“With the launch of our annual May Red Shield Campaign, there’s no better time for us to declare a month devoted to restoring dignity to Canada’s most vulnerable,” said Graham Moore, Public Relations & Development Secretary for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. “Our goal this month is to inspire action in others – to educate and motivate the public to change their thinking about the many struggling to get by everyday.”
Money raised during the month of May will directly support those living in poverty today through Salvation Army social services like emergency shelter care, substance abuse counselling and employment training. Each year, The Salvation Army serves 1.6 million people in more than 400 communities across the country.
Financial contributions can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by mailing donations to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H1P4 or by dropping off financial donations at the closet Salvation Army facility in your area.
Donors can also support the May Red Shield Campaign by texting HOME to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly mobile bill.
About The Red Shield Campaign:
The May Red Shield Campaign is an annual fundraising and public awareness campaign held annually throughout the month of May. The Salvation Army utilizes online, phone, direct mail and door-to-door appeals to solicit donations from generous Canadians. Giving to The Salvation Army offers an opportunity to invest in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. On average, 86 cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army is used directly in charitable activities – exceeding the Canada Revenue Agency guideline of 65 percent donation efficiency.
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
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For further information please contact:
Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
