Today, the Rogers family donated $10 million to The Salvation Army to help support Canadians affected by COVID-19. It is the largest private donation the charity has received in its more than 135 years of giving hope to those in need across Canada.

“The incredible generosity of the Rogers family is critical to the work of The Salvation Army now and in the months ahead,” says Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, national leader of The Salvation Army. “It allows us to continue to deliver vital, life-changing services to those who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Our family is honoured to be able to do a small part to help Canadians and Canadian families as they try to recover from the difficult financial challenges that COVID-19 has brought to so many people, especially people already under financial stress,” said Martha Rogers, Chair of The Rogers Foundation. “All of the money will be donated in 2020 so we can make as immediate an impact as possible.”

In all provinces and territories across the country, the funds will improve food security, enhance the provision of shelter and social services, and fund additional emergency disaster services vehicles that deliver food to vulnerable children and families.

Thanks to this generous donation, Salvation Army food banks will:

• increase food procurement, particularly fresh food
• purchase additional equipment, including walk-in freezers and coolers that will allow for safe food management
• augment counselling and practical support

Shelters will:

• enhance the provision of shelter and social services
• prepare and provide fresh food and prepared take-out meals
• pivot from congregate meals to offer safer options and strengthen long-term community integration

Emergency services will:

• acquire additional emergency disaster services vehicles to facilitate meal delivery
• provide hot meals to individuals, seniors and families at allocated sites
• send meal trucks into high-need communities regularly

“The Salvation Army is truly grateful to the Rogers family whose kindness will aid our efforts on many fronts,” says Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “Together we can give a glimmer of hope to the thousands of Canadians who are overwhelmed and struggling as a result of COVID-19.”

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps, and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

For further information, media are invited to contact:

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray

Territorial Secretary for Communications
M: 416 889 4954
E:   John_Murray@can.salvationarmy.org