(Above) Santa Claus and RCMP Corporal Laurie Rocks help kettle volunteer Thomas Hamilton raise funds for The Salvation Army in Penticton, B.C.

The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign raised $23.1 million nationally, which is the second-highest total ever raised by the Army during the holiday season. These funds will help the Army feed, clothe, shelter and empower vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada.

"We're grateful to our generous donors, dedicated volunteers and supportive corporate partners for making this campaign a success," says Major John Murray, territorial secretary for public relations and development. "We rely heavily on our Christmas Kettle Campaign to fund our community and social service programs, so this outpouring of support is greatly appreciated."

The annual Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units to help individuals and families with the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. Contributions also allow The Salvation Army to continue operating its life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and skills training, and budgeting and education classes, which help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.

Each year, The Salvation Army relies on the support of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Bass Pro Shops, Krispy Kreme, and many more, who allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.

"For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has provided hope and dignity to people in need," says Major Murray. "Thanks to the public's generosity, The Salvation Army can continue its vital work in communities across the country."

Although Christmas is over, the Army continues to assist vulnerable people every day of the year. Last year, The Salvation Army helped more than 1.9 million people and expects this number to increase in 2018.

Leave a Comment