Dignity Month in May

The Salvation Army has announced May as Dignity Month in support of The Dignity Project and our annual Red Shield Campaign.  The Dignity Project launched in March with the primary goal of educating the public about the reality of poverty in today’s day and age – emphasizing the belief that everyone is entitled to 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. Throughout the month of May, The Salvation Army and many of its local units will host events focusing on the concept of dignity.

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 funds 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 $3 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 more than 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. Donors can also support the May Red Shield Campaign by texting HOME to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. A $15 donation will be added to your monthly mobile bill.