In November and December, community members, mission partners and supporters gathered in provinces across the territory to celebrate the kick-off of the holiday season and the opportunity to make a difference through The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign. Here is a snapshot of just a few of this year’s exciting Hope in the City events.

Victoria

The Salvation Army in Victoria launched the holiday season early in November with its annual Hope in the City luncheon, presented by Long Beach Lodge Resort.

Husband and wife duo Adam Kreek, Olympic gold medalist, and Rebecca Sterritt, community leader and business owner, shared the stage to give a keynote presentation that focused on purpose, generosity and hope. They told personal stories of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into fundraising and competing on the international stage, and how hope drove their grassroots effort of saving a six-acre patch of nature in their neighbourhood.

Paul Haysom, news anchor at CHEK News, was the emcee for the luncheon, hosting with his trademark humour, passion and connection to the Victoria community.

One highlight of the program was the presentation of the Hero for Hope award to Simeon Basil-John, who grew up in a single-parent household with five siblings, facing financial hardship while battling health troubles. Through experiences attending—and now working—at Camp Sunrise, he found mentorship and purpose, now giving back through his involvement at Victoria Citadel.

Later, Captain Laura Hickman, corps officer at Connection Point Church and Resource Centre, kicked off the kettle campaign with Nichola Wade, chair of the Hope in the City luncheon committee, making the first donation on stage while the entire ballroom rang their kettle bells. 

Toronto

During the first week of December, One King West Hotel in Toronto was filled with the sights and sounds of the Ontario Division’s Hope in the City celebration, raising awareness of the kettle campaign and the transformative work of The Salvation Army. It reminded those who attended that the support of donors, sponsors and volunteers truly makes a difference in helping the Army achieve its mission.

Award-winning Canadian media personality, Gurdeep Ahluwalia, host of the Pooja and Gurdeep Show on 98.1 CHFI, was the emcee for the afternoon, and Ron MacLean, legendary host of Hockey Night in Canada, the guest speaker.

In an uplifting address, Olivia Chow, mayor of the City of Toronto, spoke about how The Salvation Army is a large part of the fabric of community support in the city.

Two Hero of Hope videos highlighted the life-changing impact that ministry units have had on real people. “[The Salvation Army] was a godsend when I needed it,” says Beverly in one video. Her son, Sean, attends Lawson Ministries in Hamilton, Ont. “Sean is happy and thriving.”

The second video highlighted the story of Tia, a survivor of domestic violence and former client at the Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre in Brampton, Ont. “The Salvation Army taught me about boundaries, self love and self-respect,” she says. “I want people to know that there is help out there and you’re not alone.”

St. John’s, N.L.

Newfoundland and Labrador launched its 2025 Christmas kettle campaign at the annual Hope in the City breakfast in St. John’s, presented by the Fry Family Foundation.

Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial commander and territorial leader for spiritual life development, and Lt-Colonels Scott and Michelle Rideout, divisional commander, and divisional officer personnel secretary and divisional secretary for spiritual life development, joined the celebration. Special guests included Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham and St. John’s Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth, who made the first official donations of the season.

Tareq Hadhad, CEO and founder of Peace by Chocolate, was the keynote speaker, offering a message about resilience and hope after hardship. When his family’s chocolate factory was destroyed in the war in Syria, he came to Canada as a refugee and worked to rebuild the family tradition.

“The event was buzzing with energy,” says Janessa Hynes, marketing and communications specialist for the Atlantic Division, who attended Hope in the City. “People began to show up at 7 a.m. for networking and coffee, and when it concluded, many stayed around for photos and to chat with Tareq.”

Winnipeg

Guests at Hope in the City in Winnipeg were greeted with a grand entrance, complete with sparkling chandeliers, a photo wall and festive music by Heritage Park Temple Band. More than 300 people attended the sold-out event.

The program featured guest speaker Milt Stegall, TSN analyst and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber and CFL All Star, whose presence was met with mounting excitement as the city prepared to host the Grey Cup just days later. In a Q&A-style keynote, Stegall shared memories of his time in the city and his football career, his personal faith journey and why he chooses to devote his time to philanthropy.

The event opened with a land acknowledgment by Manitoba’s Lieutenant-Governor Anita Neville, followed by blessings from Tracy Desjarlais (Piapot First Nation of Saskatchewan), Indigenous liaison specialist for The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services. Also in attendance were Matt Wiebe, Manitoba minister of justice and attorney general; Janice Lukes, city councillor and deputy mayor of Winnipeg; Scott Gillingham, mayor of Winnipeg; and members of the Manitoba legislature.

Lt-Colonel Donald Bladen, divisional commander for the Prairies and Northern Territories Division, spoke about the financial strain many families are experiencing and encouraged guests to consider those in need this holiday season. Before the meal, he led a prayer and joined Stegall for the ceremonial first kettle donation.

Throughout the evening, a slideshow featured The Salvation Army’s year-round work across Winnipeg, featuring corps, social mission units and thrift stores. Guests were also taken on a virtual tour of the Winnipeg Centre of Hope, the province’s largest emergency and transitional housing facility.