Donors across Canada defied expectations of a charitable giving slowdown by donating a record $16 million to Salvation Army Christmas Kettles in 2008, exceeding last year's $14.3 million by nearly 12 percent. Funds raised will be used in the fight against poverty in Canada through a variety of programs including services for the homeless, addictions and rehabilitation services and practical assistance for families.

“The spirit of generosity in this country─even during challenging times─continues to amaze and humble us and we are greatly encouraged by these results,” said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development. “Our services are always needed, but as the economy softens, our work becomes even more important.”

In addition to money raised in the physical kettles, The Salvation Army saw a marked increase in online giving during November and December. During the combined months, the Army raised more than $2.5 million online─an increase of 26 percent from 2007. Additionally, The Salvation Army iKettle program─which enables donors to set up and maintain their own virtual kettle─raised $131,000 through 168 kettles. Last year, the program raised $31,000 through 98 kettles.

The Salvation Army attributes the success of its 2008 campaign to local retailers who continue to host the kettles, volunteers who donated their time and most importantly, to the thousands of donors who continue to support the work of The Salvation Army. This year was especially important as many Canadians may face difficult times due to a slowing economy and turn to The Salvation Army for assistance.

As a significant component to the 2008 campaign, The Salvation Army was fortunate to partner with Wal-Mart and others to raise awareness and money. Specific, partnerships for the 2008 Christmas Campaign included:

Wal-Mart: The Army partnered with Wal-Mart this year for the first ever National Kettle Launch, held at 10 Wal-Mart stores in cities throughout Canada on November 19th. Cities included Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Scarborough, St. John's and Vancouver.

TAXI Inc: The Salvation Army and TAXI Inc (www.taxi.ca), a Canadian based advertising and design company, began distributing jackets to the homeless on November 22. The jacket distribution is taking place in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal and will continue throughout the winter. Part of the 15 Below Project ( HYPERLINK “http://www.15belowproject.org” www.15belowproject.org), the jackets were specifically designed to help the homeless stay warm by using newspaper for insulation during winter.

Santa Claus Parade: The Salvation Army participated in the nationally televised 2008 Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 16th in Toronto.

Santa Shuffle: The Army continued its partnership with Running Room Ltd. by hosting the 18th Annual Santa Shuffle in 35 cities throughout Canada on Saturday, December 6th. Support for the 2008 event resulted in a 13% increase in participation and a 16% increase in fundraising.

The $16 million figure includes only money donated to The Salvation Army's physical kettles across Canada. The Salvation Army is continuing to tally dollars raised through phone, direct mail and other sources during the Christmas Campaign season – which runs from late November through Christmas Eve.

The Salvation Army's National Christmas Campaign helps the Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.5 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.