/R E P E A T -- Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign Surpasses Goal, Raises Record $20 Million/

TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - This Christmas, donors across Canada helped support The Salvation Army's efforts to reduce poverty nationwide by donating more than $20 million to the annual Kettle Campaign. Funds raised in the nearly 2,000 kettles in stores, on street corners and online, will be used to support programs that help restore hope and dignity to more than 1.7 million each year throughout the country.

"We're incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity that helped us fill the kettles this year," said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. "Meeting and surpassing our ambitious $19 million goal will help us meet the increased demand for our services and provide a sense of dignity for all throughout 2012."

This year marked the 120th anniversary of The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign and the more than $20 million raised surpassed an all-time record. In addition to physical kettles located on street corners and shopping centres across the country, donors also had the option to give online at www.FilltheKettle.com.

"We owe the success of this year's campaign to everyone who donated, the thousands of volunteers who manned our kettles and the various malls, retail stores and shopping centres that welcomed us in this Christmas," said Graham Moore. "Without this support, we would not be able to raise the funds needed to address the dehumanizing scourge of poverty throughout the upcoming year."

The Salvation Army Christmas Campaign helps provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.7 million people in Canada each year. This annual campaign has grown into one of Canada's most significant and recognizable charitable events. Last year, more than $18 million was raised in kettles nationwide. The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart and Loblaw Companies Limited, which allow Christmas Kettles to be placed in their stores each year.

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian 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

Andrew Burditt
National Director of Marketing and Communications
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
[email protected]
www.SalvationArmy.ca