Walmart Canada's Fill the Kettle Day was a Huge Success

More than $200,000 was donated to The Salvation Army

TORONTO, Dec. 24 /CNW/ - On December 23^rd, Walmart Fill the Kettle Day, individual Canadians donated more than $100,000 to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in Walmart stores nationwide, which Walmart Canada matched with a corporate donation of $100,000.  The event raised more than $200,000 for the Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign.   

Following news that donations to The Salvation Army's National Christmas Kettle Campaign were lagging, Walmart Canada announced on Wednesday that it would help with the shortfall by launching its first-ever Walmart Fill the Kettle Day.  On December 23^rd Walmart agreed to match all donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores across the country up to a maximum of $100,000.

"The Salvation Army is amazed at the generosity of Canadians and extremely grateful for the support of Walmart Canada," said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development for The Salvation Army in Canada. "The first-ever Walmart Fill the Kettle Day was a huge success and the funds raised will help The Salvation Army restore hope and dignity to vulnerable people in local communities across Canada."

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 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 still be made 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.  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:

Graham Moore
Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary, The Salvation Army
416-809-6144
[email protected]
www.SalvationArmy.ca

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