Iconic Kettle Campaign Raises $2.3 Million for The Salvation Army in the Maritimes

HALIFAX, NS, Jan. 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Thanks to the generous donations of Maritimers, The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign surpassed its goal in raising more than $2.2 Million.

The campaign ran from Nov. 13 to Dec. 23, with kettles set up at businesses throughout the Maritimes, with a goal of funding vital programing to those in need. Donations made come at a critical time as the organization is experiencing an increase in demand for programs and services.

"With the general lack of affordability having a toll on the emotional and physical well-being of our communities, we have seen an incredible increase in the number of people seeking assistance this Christmas," says Major Jamie Locke, Salvation Army divisional secretary for public relations. "Through your donation we are giving hope to those struggling in every corner of the Maritimes."

Every dollar raised through the Red Kettle campaign stays locally and is used to fund vital programs and services across the Maritimes. The Salvation Army works to provide the necessities: food, clothing, and shelter, while offering life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, jobs and life-skills training, and education classes that help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.

"Maritimers have been incredibly generous this holiday season," says Locke. "Every year we ask them to help their community and every year they step up to meet the demand and we cannot thank people enough."

Along with individual donors The Salvation Army is thankful for the ongoing generosity of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart, Costco, Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation Stores, Sobeys, Atlantic Superstore, No-Frills, Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger and many more, who give and generously allow Christmas Kettles to be placed at their stores.

Although Christmas is over, The Salvation Army continues to assist those in need 365 days a year. Last year, The Salvation Army helped more than 187,775 people across the Maritimes, providing over 20,000 meals, assisting 25,330 with Christmas food hampers and toys, and over 87,000 people with food, clothing, or practical assistance.

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 substance-use recovery; 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 people in your community. 

SOURCE The Salvation Army Maritime Division