2009 Kettle Campaign Launches in Ottawa Area

by Ontario Communications
Categories: Divisional News
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SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES 2009 CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN

Annual Campaign Provides Support to More Than 5000 Families

OTTAWA – November 18, 2009 – The Salvation Army today announced the launch of the 2009 Christmas Campaign aimed at raising money to combat the spread of poverty during the Christmas season and throughout the year. The iconic Salvation Army kettles are manned by hundreds of bell-ringers, who will try to top last year’s total of $500,000 raised through kettle donations.

“Putting money in the Christmas Kettle this year will mean that you are directly supporting thousands of people living in poverty throughout the National Capital Region,” said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “Poverty has grown at an alarming rate over the past year as we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people coming to us for help”.

Nearly 3.5 million people, or approximately 10% of all Canadians, live in poverty today. A Salvation Army study released this fall indicated there has been significant spike in demand for basic services, including food, shelter and programs that assist families in need.

“Our study findings indicate that the global economic recession has had a large impact on the poor,” said Maidment.

In addition to the traditional Christmas Campaign of kettles and bells, The Salvation Army will continue its iKettle campaign this year. iKettles have become a popular way to fundraise money online, and last year more than $130,000 was collected through virtual kettles. This easy-to-use online tool allows donors to customize their own kettle and invite others via e-mail to get involved. Additional information about the iKettle program can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca/ikettle.

The Salvation Army will also participate in several annual events that raise awareness and money for the Christmas Campaign. The Salvation Army will once again team up with Running Room Ltd. to host the 19th Annual Santa Shuffle 5 km Fun Run and 1 km Elf Walk on Saturday, December 5th. The Salvation Army will also participate in the annual Help Santa Toy Parade. Toys collected during the parade are distributed to children across Ottawa. The Salvation Army is also the recipient of toys collected during the Toy Mountain campaign. In 2008, The Salvation Army distributed toys to over 12,000 children.

The Christmas Campaign helps the Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.5 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.

To volunteer for the Christmas Kettle Campaign in the Ottawa area, please contact:
Chris Penton
Telephone: 613-241-1573, ext. 314
Email: chris_penton@ottawaboothcentre.org

Donations to the 2009 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, 383 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R4.

For further information please contact:

Michael Maidment
Area Director, Public Relations and Development
Cell: 613-795-8898
Michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org