For 13 years, The Salvation Army Thrift Store has displayed sponsorship donation boxes at cash registers all across Canada. The coins guests drop into the donation boxes, add up to the raising of significant funds to support the Brighter Futures Children's Sponsorship program.
“It's amazing to see how someone's dollar given in a Canadian Thrift Store can have a direct impact in a community in another country,” says John Kershaw, Managing Director of The Salvation Army's National Recycling Operations (NRO). “We have an incredible partnership with World Missions. Thrift Stores are a linking point within the community. World Missions is our link to the international world. We have the opportunity to give back and help children in need through Brighter Futures. The link is really powerful.”
The donation boxes are displayed throughout the year; however NRO holds a special campaign in the month of March. “When a guest is ready to check out, we ask them to donate to our current Good Works@Work campaign,” states Michele Walker, National Retail Operations Manager. “We like to encourage our local community to get involved with the developing world and give back. Every little bit has a huge impact.”
From left to right; John Kershaw, Major Karen Lemke, Michele Walker, Yamuna Kanagalingam, Major Donna Barthau, Jennifer Meszaros, Marilyn Kershaw and Major Gillian Brown
This year, through the donations from Salvation Army Thrift Store guests, NRO has raised $37,078. Michele Walker and Jennifer Meszaros, National Marketing Specialist for NRO, visited Territorial Headquarters to present the cheque to World Missions. In that meeting, Sponsorship Coordinator, Major Donna Barthau, shared stories of the programs and children the funds support. “I hadn't realized how much focus goes into creating projects for sustainability within the program. It really displays the level of commitment of not just looking at their needs today, but also their tomorrow,” says Walker. “We are so grateful and honoured to play a part and contribute to the international work of The Salvation Army.”
The next time you're in a Salvation Army Thrift Store, look for that little coin box at the register because your donation does make a difference!
Around the world today, nearly 25 million children are not attending school—a staggering number that reflects not just a crisis in education, but in opportunity, equity and hope. The reasons behind this are complex and varied. In some communities, families cannot afford the cost of tuition, uniforms or basic school supplies. In others, children
So, whether you are a shelter worker, a bandmaster, a bookkeeper or a pastor; if you work with youth in your corps or lead the Over-60 Club; if your office is in a headquarters or in a canteen on the street; if your clientele are hungry and poor, or wealthy and ready to donate; if your work involves sorting clothes in the thrift store, or finding homes for families in need— you are mission.
A highly respected and decorated pilot for the U.S. Navy and a NASA astronaut, the commander considered it a pleasure to take the flags along because he deeply appreciated the work of The Salvation Army.
From left to right; John Kershaw, Major Karen Lemke, Michele Walker, Yamuna Kanagalingam, Major Donna Barthau, Jennifer Meszaros, Marilyn Kershaw and Major Gillian Brown
From left to right; John Kershaw, Major Karen Lemke, Michele Walker, Yamuna Kanagalingam, Major Donna Barthau, Jennifer Meszaros, Marilyn Kershaw and Major Gillian Brown
Leave a Comment