The Salvation Army thanks its friends at Walmart

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    A presentation at the Bedford Walmart

    Captain Wayne Durdle, right, Corps Officer in Lower Sackville, presents a certificate of recognition to Tracy Townsend, assistant manager of the Bedford Walmart. The certificate recognized Walmart's long-standing relationship with The Salvation Army

    The Army took a moment this week to recognize the long-standing relationship with Walmart, exemplified last year by its Fill the Kettle Day.

    When news went out late last December that kettle funds were behind the pace required to hit the annual Christmas campaign’s goal, Walmart created Fill the Kettle Day. On December 23rd, all money donated to kettles in Walmart locations across Canada was matched, dollar for dollar, by the chain, up to $100,000. The day was a massive success, surpassing the $100,000 mark and – together with the Walmart matched donation – raising more than $200,000 for the campaign. The Christmas campaign went on to surpass its goal of $18 million last year. Here in the Maritime Division, we raised $1.36 million during the Christmas campaign, up seven per cent from 2009.

    Walmart has been a significant partner of The Salvation Army over the past several years. Together with its customers, Walmart has raised and donated more than $4.6 million, as well as supporting other Army initiatives by collecting food, clothing and toys for families in need.

    Locally, Captain Wayne Durdle, Corps Officer in Lower Sackville, NS, was pleased to head to the Bedford location of the chain to present assistant manager Tracy Townsend with a certificate of recognition. In addition to hosting a kettle in that location, the store also matched all donations into its kettle on a single day over and above the national commitment.

    The certificate read: “Your generous support through donations of food, clothing and household items have given hope and dignity to individuals and families struggling to overcome poverty. Thank you for partnering with us to make a practical and lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in your community.”

    Similar presentations have taken place across the region and the country in celebration of this partnership.