Salvation Army supports proposed changes to Disbursement Quota

Changes Will Provide Increased Flexibility in Meeting Needs of Canadians

OTTAWA, March 5 /CNW/ - The proposed changes to the Disbursement Quota announced yesterday in the 2010 federal budget are widely supported by The Salvation Army. The removal of the quota will provide The Salvation Army, one of Canada's largest charities, with increased flexibility in meeting the needs of Canadians during a time when more and more people are turning to charities for help.

"We are very pleased with this announcement," said Colonel Floyd Tidd, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army. "The proposed changes will allow us to better respond to the needs of the people we serve in 400 communities across Canada."

The Salvation Army was also encouraged by the federal government's plan to introduce a Prime Ministerial award for volunteerism. The award, announced in Wednesday's Speech from the Throne, will "recognize the enormous contribution volunteers make to Canada." While the announcement of the new award was a small part of the speech, the initiative is hoped to have a considerable impact on encouraging volunteerism in the charitable and non-profit sector.

"Volunteers play a vital role in every corner of our organization from program delivery to fundraising to goverance, and we certainly support the government's initiative to recognize the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across Canada," said Colonel Tidd. "Canadians generously give 1.3 million volunteer hours to The Salvation Army every year."

As the largest non-governmental direct social service provider in Canada, The Salvation Army depends on thousands of volunteers every year. The iconic Christmas Kettle campaign, which raised more than $18 million in 2009 in Canada, relies on tens of thousands of volunteer hours to staff the red kettles across 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 119 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, Federal Government Relations, [phone], [email protected]; Captain John P. Murray, APR, [phone], [email protected]