Salvation Army Santa Shuffles a Success

10,000 Runners Raise Funds to Support Salvation Army Programs

TORONTO , Dec. 5 /CNW/ - Today, in 34 cities nationwide, close to 10,000 runners braved the cold and participated in The Salvation Army's Santa Shuffle to raise funds to support important Salvation Army programs.

While donations are still coming in, The Salvation Army is hopeful that it will exceed the $450,000 mark.

Also announced today was the launch of a new text message giving program, offering donors a cash-free way to contribute to this year's Christmas Campaign. For the first-time ever, Canadians can contribute a $5.00 donation to The Salvation Army by texting the word HOPE to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless or Bell Mobility phone. The proceeds of each text donation will support The Salvation Army's year-round work to serve more than 1.5 million people with critical living needs.

"As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada , we are thrilled to introduce text message donations as a way to give back," said Graham Moore , Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada . "The mobile giving program was launched at our annual Santa Shuffle, in 35 cities across Canada ."

In addition to today's Shuffle and the text message donation program, contributions to the 2009 Christmas Campaign can be made at your local kettle, online at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto , ON M4H 1P4.

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 118 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: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director, [phone], [email protected], www.SalvationArmy.ca