The Voice of The Salvation Army

Christmas Without The Salvation Army?

It’s hard to imagine a world where the Army didn’t bring cheer and comfort during the holiday season

December 24, 2012 by Commissioner Brian Peddle Leave a Comment


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A few weeks ago, I attended the Christmas With The Salvation Army event at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. It was an evening of glitz and glamour Army style with incredible music, drama and atmosphere. The intent was to create a setting in which we celebrate and pay tribute to our donors and volunteers who help make Christmas possible for individuals and families in more than 400 communities across … [Read more...]

Something to Give

I was distraught and alone on Christmas Eve, but a caring Salvation Army kettle worker brought me hope when I had none.

December 14, 2012 by Diane Stark Leave a Comment


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“It seems colder than last year,” my son, Jordan, said with a smile. One Saturday every December, his church youth group volunteered to man the Salvation Army kettle at our local grocery store. Jordan and I were assigned the early afternoon shift. “You’re right,” I agreed. “It does seem colder this year.” Jordan rang the bell while I gave out candy canes to the children who … [Read more...]

The Reformation of Ebenezer Scrooge

Just as Ebenezer Scrooge experienced, we can all be transformed through the power of Christ.

December 14, 2012 by Captain Mark Braye Leave a Comment


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“Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.” So begins A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843. The story has become synonymous with Christmas and has been told, retold, and adapted since then by Dora, The Muppets, Disney and Bill Murray. A Christmas Carol is a wonderful representation of the transforming power of Christmas. I’m sure you know the … [Read more...]

A Christmas Embrace

In her Christmas message, General Linda Bond reminds us that our Saviour came into a dark world to seek and save the lost.

December 12, 2012 by General Linda Bond Leave a Comment


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The small boy was obviously lost. Standing in the shopping mall with crowds of people rushing by, he looked terribly anxious, glancing all around for a familiar face. It was Christmastime and the worst time of year to be in the midst of a rushing crowd, disconnected from a family member. Yet, standing beside The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle, I could see what he could not—an elderly man … [Read more...]

Kelowna Salvation Army Celebrates Volunteers

First ever Celebrate the Story breakfast thanks those who helped with the Christmas Kettle Campaign and other Christmas events

February 2, 2012 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


On January 27, The Salvation Army in Kelowna held a special Celebrate the Story breakfast to thank service groups and businesses that volunteered to help with the Christmas Kettle Campaign and other Christmas events. “Helping people at Christmastime and throughout the year only happens because of the generous community support that we have,” says Major Ron Cartmell, Corps Officer at Kelowna … [Read more...]

Walmart Helping to Fill the Kettle

Walmart Canada matches donations made to The Salvation Army Christmas kettles in its stores today

December 22, 2011 1 Comment


Today, Thursday, December 22, Walmart Canada will be matching donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $100,000. “Walmart Canada continues to focus its efforts on helping families in need,” said John Lawrence, director of corporate social responsibility, Walmart Canada. “This is the second year that we are able to host … [Read more...]

Spirit of Christmas Spreads in Bermuda

Bermudians help The Salvation Army with its Christmas assistance

December 21, 2011 by Julia Hosking Leave a Comment


Bermuda's divisional band serenade evening shoppers

While many children excitedly count down the sleeps until December 25, there are individuals and families relying on The Salvation Army to help them with their Christmas cheer. The Canada and Bermuda Territory has seen another increase in demand for food and toy assistance this year and the Army is again reliant on the generous support of businesses and members of the public to meet its … [Read more...]

Redeeming Christmas

Can we celebrate the holiday without debasing its Christian message?

December 20, 2011 by Major Fred Ash 1 Comment


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Pity poor Scrooge. He saw Christmas as an interference, a day when he paid Bob Cratchit to stay home and enjoy himself with his family. To Scrooge this was like having his pocket picked on an annual basis. Bah! Humbug! If only he’d known the art of commercializing Christmas, Scrooge could have made himself a lot more money, and Christmas would have been something for him to anticipate all … [Read more...]

For Such a Time as This

We may not see a host of angels or a guiding star, but if we seek him, God will reveal himself to each of us this Christmas

December 19, 2011 by General Linda Bond Leave a Comment


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How relevant is the Christmas story for the 21st century? It is celebrated every year with carols, trees, glitter, lights and gifts, but is the coming of Jesus into the world of any significance for such a time as this? More than two thousand years separate us. Where are the points of connection? The answer becomes clear when we look at two groups that played a central role in the first … [Read more...]

Salvation Army Week in Toronto

City of Toronto proclaims December 19-26, 2011 as a week to support The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal

December 19, 2011 1 Comment


Mjr John Murray and City Councillor France Nunsiata raise The Salvation Army flag at Toronto City Hall to mark the beginning of Salvation Army Week

With only a few days before Christmas, “Salvation Army Week” is proclaimed in the City of Toronto. A Salvation Army flag raising took place at Toronto City Hall on Monday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m. to mark the commencement of the week, which will continue until Monday, December 26, 2011. The Salvation Army Christmas Brass Ensemble and Major John Murray, divisional secretary for public … [Read more...]