The Salvation Army calls on Canadians to help raise $9 million to meet their fundraising goal
TORONTO, Dec. 20, 2022 /CNW/ - With Christmas around the corner, The Salvation Army warns of an alarming increase in need across Canada. According to recent research released by the organization, more than half of Canadians polled said they had faced food security challenges in the past year, and an equal number of respondents expect to face such challenges in the next six months.
The Salvation Army is also experiencing a worrying decrease in donations to their annual Christmas Kettle Campaign this year. With less than a week until Christmas, the organization is $9 million behind on their national campaign donation goal.
"We're very worried. We have never seen a need this great while experiencing a lag in donations," said Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications. "Many of those impacted are no longer the most vulnerable in society – they could be a friend, neighbour, or family member. People who have donated in the past are now finding themselves needing our help this season."
Donations from the Christmas Kettle Campaign go to support food hampers, help put toys and clothes under the trees of children in need at Christmas and make up a large percentage of the funds the organization needs to provide front-line support services to Canadians throughout the year. The services include food banks, children's breakfast programs, housing supports, substance-use recovery, and care for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
"We are calling on Canadians to donate what they can in the week leading up to Christmas and help The Salvation Army provide support to fellow Canadians in need, both this Christmas season and throughout the year," said Murray.
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. 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.
A list of regional media representatives can be found at:
https://salvationarmy.ca/news-and-media/media-contacts/
SOURCE The Salvation Army
Linda Leigh, Manager of Communications, The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters for Canada and Bermuda, M 416-889-0423, [email protected], www.SalvationArmy.ca
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