(Above) From left, Oliver Langdon, leadership giving officer; Premier Andrew Furey; Lt-Col Sandra Stokes, DC, N.L. Div; Mjr Jamie Locke, DSPR, N.L. Div; and Mjr Elaine Locke, associate DSPR and director of development, N.L. Div, photographed at the Hope in the City breakfast in St. John’s, N.L.

Hope in the City events took place territory-wide in November and December, inviting people from every division to attend their local breakfast or celebration to officially kick off the Christmas season and The Salvation Army’s kettle campaign.

In Ontario, a virtual event was streamed on the divisional Facebook page, sharing stories of hope from ministry units across the province. Hosted by Glenn van Gulik, divisional secretary for public relations, the video spotlighted programs such as the multigenerational creative arts program at Agincourt Temple Community Church, Toronto; a youth soccer program at Yorkwoods Community Church, Toronto; and a mobile food program at Cobourg Community Church. It featured music by Indigenous folk group, Twin Flames, and a message from Premier Doug Ford: “The Salvation Army does amazing work in our communities, not only during the holiday season, but all year round. Thank you to the organizers and the incredible volunteers who are so dedicated to helping those who need it.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Division hosted a Hope in the City breakfast with nearly 300 people in attendance including keynote speaker Jennifer Williams, president of Newfoundland Labrador Hydro. Williams spoke about the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace, while greetings were offered by Andrew Furey, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Councillor Ron Ellsworth of St. John’s, N.L.

Though they were unable to host a breakfast due to social distancing, the Prairie Division celebrated Hope in the City with an informational day. “On Hope in the City day, we try to show the population here in Winnipeg and the Prairie Division all the things that The Salvation Army does,” said Blair Malazdrewich, divisional communications manager, in an interview for CTV Winnipeg. The broadcast helped spread awareness about Salvation Army services, the kettle campaign and Toy Mountain.

On December 7, the British Columbia Division presented their Hope in the City breakfast, sponsored by Scotiabank, with keynote speaker Dr. Diane McIntosh, a psychiatrist, author and mental-health advocate. The breakfast united people from the community including local businesses, organizations, political leaders and Salvationists as they recognized the work of The Salvation Army in the province.

In the Alberta and Northern Territories Division, Hope in the City luncheons were held in Edmonton and Calgary. In Edmonton, inspirational speaker Joe Roberts, the Skidrow CEO, presented his personal story and experience of the ministry of The Salvation Army and the work that it does in the community. The event held in Calgary featured local Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who made the ceremonial first donation to the red kettle.

By inviting communities together to share in the launch of The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas campaign, Hope in the City reminds people of the work of the Army, and affirms the importance of giving back during the holiday season.