SALVATION ARMY LAUNCHES 2010 CHRISTMAS KETTLE CAMPAIGN

Innovative Google Technology Provides New Method for Donors to Support Iconic Campaign

OTTAWA, Nov. 18 /CNW/ - On Friday, November 19, 2010, The Salvation Army will officially launch its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign and mark 125 years in the City of Ottawa with a giant birthday cake, hot chocolate and Christmas carols performed by the Christmas Brass Ensemble.

The Christmas 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 kettles are manned by over 500 bell-ringers who will collect the $525,000 objective. This year, the iconic Christmas kettles can be found in more than 40 stores and shopping centres across Ottawa and on Google Maps through the Army's online "Fill the Kettle" program. Visitors to www.FilltheKettle.com will be able to track donations at nearly 2,000 kettles on-the-street nationwide. Using Google technology, donors will be able to locate and make a secure online donation directly to individual kettles in their community. 

The official launch will begin Friday, November 19, 2010 at 10:30 am in the Byward Market, adjacent to the Grand Pizzeria (74 George Street); a heritage building that housed a Salvation Army hostel from 1908-1949.

The Salvation Army will be serving free cake and hot chocolate.  There will be performances throughout the morning by The Salvation Army Christmas Brass Ensemble and the first donation of the 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign will be made by Mayor-elect Jim Watson. 

For too many, the basic necessities of life needed for human dignity are out of reach. Approximately 3 million Canadians, or one in 11 people, live in poverty today, making access to everyday needs like food, clothing and shelter difficult.

"We are very thankful for the generosity of so many in our community who support our annual campaign." said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "With so much of our annual fundraising revenue collected during the Christmas season and demand for our service at an all time high, we are really asking the public to dig deep this year".

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 www.SalvationArmy.ca or www.FilltheKettle.com, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 383 Parkdale Avenue, Suite 306, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R4.  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 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

For further information:

Michael Maidment
Area Director, Public Relations and Development
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]