The sounds of brass and choir were brought together once again for The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas gala, Christmas With The Salvation Army. On Saturday, December 1, more than 2,000 guests filled the concert hall at the historic Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto to celebrate the festive sounds of the season.

This year’s concert featured award-winning jazz singer Sonja Gustafson, along with organist, Ian Sadler, dramatist, Colin Fox, The Salvation Army’s Canadian Staff Band and Staff Songsters. As guests took their seats, they were welcomed with the powerful and symphonic sounds of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing from the Festival Chorus, Canadian Staff Band and organ. Guests also enjoyed classic Christmas favourites such as Noel, Noel and Silent Night as well as a dazzling performance by The Salvation Army’s timbrelists from London Citadel, Ontario.

Christmastime is The Salvation Army’s most vital fundraising period and to express our gratitude, this year’s concert featured two pre-receptions. With the beautiful sounds and melodies from a live pianist, Lt-Colonel John Murray, secretary for communications, hosted the first pre-reception for more than 250 donors and partners of The Salvation Army. The second pre-reception focused on major donors and partners of The Salvation Army’s Florence Booth Campaign and was accompanied by the rhythmic and harmonious sounds of guitar soloist, Daniel Huezo.

As the concert concluded, donors and partners of The Salvation Army were invited to join Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, at her post-concert reception. Special guests met with Salvation Army leadership from across the Ontario Central-East Division as well as the evening’s performers.  

The Salvation Army is grateful to all its donors and community partners, who help feed the hungry, shelter those without a home and give hope to those lost to the dark realities of addiction.

To donate or to learn more about The Salvation Army’s life-changing programs, visit SalvationArmy.ca. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 1645 Warden Avenue, Toronto ON M1R 5B3.

Col Edward Hill, chief secretary, Colin Fox, Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, Mjr Len Ballantine, Canadian Staff Songsters leader, Col Shelley Hill, territorial secretary for women's ministries, Lt-Col Sandra Rice, divisional commander, Ontario Central-East Division

Colin Fox

Sonja Gustafson

Canadian Staff Band

Canadian Staff Songsters

Salvation Army timbrelists from London Citadel, Ont.

Sonja Gustafson and Commissioner Susan McMillan