Each year, The Salvation Army’s Partners in Mission Self-Denial Campaign unites ministry units across the Canada and Bermuda Territory in a shared goal: supporting the Army’s international ministries. In 2024, corps and social services tapped into their creativity to engage their communities and contribute to the territory’s fundraising goal of $2.5 million.

Through fellowship lunches, friendly competitions and fun incentives, Salvationists and supporters participated eagerly and gave generously. Here are just a few of the ideas that came to life:

Ducks for a Cause—Brandon, Man.

The 2024 Partners in Mission fundraiser at the Brandon Corps was one of a kind. Combining creativity, fun and a touch of friendly competition, the church hosted its first-ever Rubber Duck Toss.

Attendees were invited to bring their own lunch and participate in the lively event by purchasing rubber ducks for $1 each. The challenge? Tossing the ducks over the mercy seat onto a parachute that acted as a colourful target, with zones marked by different point values, requiring strategy, skill and precision.

“This was our first time trying something like this, and we put a lot of thought into how it would work,” says Major Shelly Rands, corps officer. “We wanted to create a unique and fun event that would engage everyone and support the campaign.”

The results exceeded expectations, with a full house of participants raising more money than anticipated. People of all ages joined in the fun, cheering each other on and laughing at the unpredictable landings of the rubber ducks. One memorable moment, according to Major Rands, was watching Bianca Fontaine and Major Jamie Rands, corps officer, chase after stray ducks, and the friendly competition among participants vying for the highest scores. Prizes were awarded based on points earned, and winners selected their rewards from a prize table.

“The corps family immediately requested we do it again next year,” says Major Shelly Rands.

“PIM Plunge”—Connection Point Church, Victoria

Connection Point Church in Victoria took their 2024 Partners in Mission fundraiser to new depths, introducing an initiative that helped get the corps excited and motivated to give—the “PIM Plunge.”

With every milestone in funds raised, members of the church leadership team agreed to dive into Langford Lake. For every $500 raised, one leader would jump in, and for the final $1,000 of the campaign, the challenge intensified, and leaders jumped in for every $250 raised.

The event quickly gained traction, and members of the congregation wanted to join in on the fun. After the Sunday service of the May long weekend, Captains David and Laura Hickman, corps officers, went down to the lake with the rest of the leadership team, and invited members of the corps to come along for a picnic and watch the plunge.

"It was a fun way to connect with our congregation and bring the community together,” says Captain Laura Hickman. “David and I, as corps officers, were at the top of the list of people who the congregation wanted to see do the plunge. The water wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be, but we jumped off a dock, so there was no going back once your feet left the platform.”

The plunge was both an incentive and celebration of the corps exceeding its initial fundraising goal of $5,000, bringing in approximately $5,300 in total. To raise the money, Connection Point hosted soup and sandwich lunches by donation twice a month and held special focus offerings. One member also brought cuttings from her garden to sell in the spring.

According to Captain Hickman, raising money for Partners in Mission is a good reminder of the work that The Salvation Army is doing around the world. “We are an international Army, and our corps is just one part of a larger movement that is all around the world. It’s a good way to connect with that global mission,” she says. “Sometimes the congregation might not be large, but it’s shocking to see how much we can raise together. It’s always encouraging. We often think, How did that happen? But God is how it happens.”

Friendly Competition—Georgina Community Church, Ont.

Georgina Community Church’s Partners in Mission fundraising campaign featured a lineup of exciting events, such as a trivia night, “chat and chew” luncheon, Valentine’s Day and Easter chocolate sales, a movie night and Cash for Choruses, where the corps organist, Marion Weller, offered to take song requests for donations.

“I created a poster with cut-out bricks, two windows, one door and a roof. Each brick represented a certain amount of money, and together we built a health centre brick-by-brick as money was raised,” explains Major Donna Barthau, Partners in Mission co-ordinator. “Once completed, it indicated that we had reached our goal of $6,000.”

However, the corps had a dream goal of $10,000, and continued adding new elements to the structure as more money came in. With the extra money, they supplied the figurative health centre with tables, chairs, examination tables, stethoscopes and more. The corps watched as the building came together piece by piece.

For the third year in a row, the church’s youth department hosted a trivia night and dinner, organized by Sally Hill, administrative assistant, and her daughter, Kaitlyn Hill. Approximately 50 attendees, including corps members, friends and family, purchased tickets and formed teams, prepared to bring their trivia knowledge for fierce and friendly competition. A chili dinner was provided, complete with a variety of toppings.

Participants tested their knowledge on a mix of secular, Salvation Army and biblical questions, and the annual event is known for encouraging good-natured banter and rivalry.

“It’s always good fun. We have one team that has won the last couple of years, and everyone knows they’re the team to beat,” says Sally Hill. “Georgina is a small corps, but a busy one. People are always excited about what we’re doing and everyone gets involved, even the seniors. Whenever there’s an event, they’re all here to support it.”

Small but Mighty—Sydney Community Church, N.S.

Last year, Sydney Community Church exceeded its fundraising goal of $11,000 for Partners in Mission. Led by Lieutenants Dion and Jenelle Durdle, corps officer and community ministries officer, the corps engaged in a series of events throughout the year to raise funds, including a ladies’ night out (LNO) craft night, bimonthly Young at Heart seniors’ luncheons and a spaghetti supper.

“Our church is very active in the community and committed to giving,” says Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle. “Everyone comes together to give what they can, and there’s a sense of unity in it.”

In April, the corps hosted its spaghetti dinner fundraiser with more than 100 dinners served, followed by the LNO craft night with 17 women in attendance. Every two months, the Young at Heart luncheon, which attracts upwards of 100 people, raises money for Partners in Mission through donation jars on each table.

“We have a large senior population, and we usually bring in a few hundred dollars for every one of those events. That really contributes to us meeting our goal,” says Lieutenant Durdle. “It’s the congregation members that make it happen.”

Seeds of Hope—Mount Arrowsmith Corps, Parksville, B.C.

Mount Arrowsmith Corps in Parksville blossomed with community spirit during their annual plant sale in May in support of Partners in Mission. The event featured a vibrant array of plants, lovingly cultivated by the congregation’s women’s group. Many participants dedicated weeks to planting and growing flowers, while others donated greenery from local vendors or their own gardens.

The sale drew a steady stream of visitors, including community members and passersby who were welcomed with warm smiles, coffee, snacks and conversation.

“This event is a beautiful testament to the dedication and commitment of our congregation,” says Major Tatiana Kachanova, corps officer. “Their hard work and passion truly highlight the spirit of our community, making the event a success and a joy for all involved.”