Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. To Support The Salvation Army to Raise
Funds for the Community This Christmas

TORONTO, Dec. 11 /CNW/ - Keeping in the spirit of the season, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. will support The Salvation Army in its efforts to raise funds for its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign at tonight's Toronto Maple Leafs game vs. the Montreal Canadians at Air Canada Centre.  The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble and Volunteers will be located at Gates 1 and 6 of Air Canada Centre to receive monetary donations from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  The Christmas Kettle Campaign is aimed at raising money to support social service programs that work to restore hope and dignity for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

"The Salvation Army is excited to work with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.  This initiative will enable The Salvation Army to raise much needed funds for many in our community this Christmas," said Captain John P. Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "Their support will provide practical help that can change a life…and also give someone a sense of newfound dignity."

"We're thrilled to support the worthy efforts of the Salvation Army," said Shannon Hosford, senior director of Marketing for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We feel that the presence of the Salvation Army's Brass Ensemble will add to the holiday spirit of our games."

Other MLSE Game Day Christmas Kettle Fundraising Dates:

December 19, 2010  Lakers vs Raptors 11:30am - 1:30 pm
December 20, 2010 Thrashers vs Leafs  5:30pm - 7:30 pm
December 22, 2010  Pistons vs Raptors 5:30pm - 7:30 pm

For too many, the basic necessities of life needed for human dignity are out of reach. Approximately three million Canadians, or one in 11 people, live in poverty today, making access to everyday needs like food, clothing and shelter difficult.

The Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.6 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 $18 million was raised in the kettles nationwide, an all time record.

Donations to the 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign can be made at SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 1645 Warden Avenue, Toronto ON  M1R 5B3.  Donors can also give by texting "HOPE" to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international faith-based 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:

Captain John P. Murray, APR
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

Neil W. Leduke
Director of Communications
c)  416-578-7998