This summer, The Salvation Army Thrift Stores, National Recycling Operations (NRO), held their annual GoodWorks@Work Send a Kid to Camp campaign, aiming to provide life-changing summer experiences for children across the territory at Army camps. The campaign raised more than $168,800 thanks to the generosity of 64,563 donors who contributed through the thrift stores.

The funds raised are enough to send 675 children to camp and will be dispersed back into the communities in which they were raised, ensuring that all funds will directly benefit local children.

Attending a Salvation Army camp offers children the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, gain self-confidence and learn new skills. Activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and swimming are just some of the exciting experiences that campers can enjoy.

This year, to help connect store staff with the communities they serve and the mission of The Salvation Army, NRO co-ordinated visits to various camps across Canada. Team members visited Jackson’s Point Camp and Camp Gitchigomee (Anglican) in Ontario, Scotian Glen Camp in Nova Scotia, Camp Sunrise in British Columbia, Pine Lake Camp in Alberta, and Beaver Creek Camp in Saskatchewan.

“Our teams were able to interact with camp leaders and the kids, and it was truly inspiring to see how the hard work of our employees in the stores directly translates into unforgettable experiences for these children,” says Ted Troughton, NRO managing director. “The donations we secure don’t just send kids to camp—they create memories and opportunities that can change lives.”