Walmart Canada to Help “Fill the Kettle”

Toronto, ON December 21, 2011 – With a soft economy still affecting donations to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, the organization is very pleased to continue its partnership with Walmart Canada for Walmart Fill the Kettle Day. On Thursday December 22nd, Walmart Canada will match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $100,000.

“Walmart Canada continues to focus its efforts on helping families in need,” said John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Walmart Canada. “This is the second year that we are able to host our Walmart Fill the Kettle Day and we trust that generous Canadians will respond as we strive to help The Salvation Army meet its fundraising goals.”

Walmart Canada has become a strong supporter of The Salvation Army over the past number of years. Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have donated more than $7 million to The Salvation Army, helping to provide food, shelter and clothing for families that live below or at the poverty line.

“The Salvation Army is once again grateful and impressed with the generosity shown by Walmart Canada,” said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. “We meet the needs of more than 1.7 million each year and we trust that Canadians will support the Walmart Fill the Kettle Day as we seek to restore hope and dignity to many in local communities across Canada.”

The 2011 Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.7 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada’s most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. Last year, more than $19 million was raised in the Christmas kettles nationwide. The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners including Walmart Canada and many more which allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their storefronts each year.

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

Felicia Fefer
Manager of Public Relations
Walmart Canada
905-821-2111 ext. 74466
ffefer@wal-mart.com
www.walmartcanada.ca