In 1908, salvage work and the beginning of the retail store program commenced in Toronto. There are currently more than 300 thrift stores across the country offering excellent value at an affordable price. Proceeds are channeled back into the services and program that assist more than 1.5 million people each year. With a continued commitment to environmental responsibility, recent annual totals show that Salvation Army thrift stores have diverted 60 million pounds of materials from landfills across Canada.

The Salvation Army is always striving for innovative ways to recycle, resulting in the creation of programs such a used jeans programs that prevents heaps of the torn garments from reaching landfill sites by re-using portions of the material to create quilts, purses, cushions, etc. The Salvation Army is also demonstrating its commitment to the environment in the operation of its facilities. Some multi-use facilities and shelters use rooftop solar heating to heat hot water.

The Gateway Men's Shelter in Toronto has just introduced 'Pedal Power', a program where residents actually power lighting through the use of stationary bikes.