Walmart Canada Helps The Salvation Army 'Fill the Kettle'

Retailer to Match In-Store Christmas Kettle Donations Across Canada on December 23rd

TORONTO, Dec. 22 /CNW/ - Following the news that donations to The Salvation Army's National Christmas Kettle Campaign are lagging, the organization is thrilled to partner with Walmart Canada for "Walmart Fill the Kettle Day."  On December 23^rd Walmart, Canada will match all donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $100,000.

"We are very proud to partner with The Salvation Army and to help make Christmas a reality for Canadians coast-to-coast with our first-ever Walmart Fill the Kettle Day in support of the Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign, said John Lawrence, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for Walmart Canada. "In these tough times, we ask Canadians to give generously so together we can help the Army reach its fundraising goal this holiday season.

Over the past several years, Walmart Canada has been a significant partner of The Salvation Army. Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have raised and donated more than $4.6 million to The Salvation Army, as well as supported many of the Army's programs by collecting food, clothing and toys for families in need.

"The Salvation Army is extremely grateful for the ongoing support of Walmart Canada, both during the Christmas season and throughout the year," said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. "It is our hope that the public will support 'Fill the Kettle Day' at Walmart stores across Canada and help us restore hope and dignity to the vulnerable and marginalized in local communities."

The 2010 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 Campaign can be made at www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.  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:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
[email protected]
www.SalvationArmy.ca

Felicia Fefer
Corporate Affairs, Walmart Canada
905-821-2111 x 4466