The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign raised $23.1 million this holiday season—well exceeding the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s $21-million goal. This total includes $304,786, which was raised by National Recycling Operations in thrift stores across Canada. These funds will be used by local ministry units to operate community and social service programs throughout the year.

This year, a small number of kettle locations featured Moneris hand-held terminals which offered donors the opportunity to donate by credit or debit card. Preliminary results indicate that these terminals collected more than $200,000 for participating corps, so more ministry units are expected to utilize this technology in future campaigns.

The Salvation Army relies on its national corporate partners across the country, such as Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO, Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Bass Pro Shops, Krispy Kreme and many more, who allow the Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores. In particular, the Army raised $7.8 million at Walmart stores and $1.3 million at Costco warehouses.

“We’re grateful to our generous donors, enthusiastic volunteers and wonderful corporate partners who have made our kettle campaign a success,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, secretary for communications. “These funds will help us feed, clothe, shelter and empower more than 1.7 million marginalized and vulnerable people in 2019. It’s heartwarming to witness the compassionate giving of Canadians to assist struggling people in their local communities.”