Walmart Canada is hosting the 11th annual “Fill the Kettle Day” and match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide, to a maximum of $100,000 on Saturday.
Canadians are invited to make donations that will support their local community with the option to tap and give through technology.
With many Canadians battling the unforeseen challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the one in 11 who struggle to make ends meet, donations made to a Salvation Army kettle will help the organization meet requests for assistance, which are at an all-time high.
“This has been a year like no other as our nation has struggled through one of the most difficult and painful times in memory,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army in Canada. “COVID-19 is driving more and more individuals and families to seek help. The needs are urgent, and we have to act now. Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have helped The Salvation Army provide food, shelter and clothing for vulnerable people. While demand for services has always been there, this year, the needs are greater than ever and we are truly thankful to Walmart Canada for their generous support and longstanding partnership.”
Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have donated more than $30 million to The Salvation Army.
“When you donate to a Salvation Army kettle you help people like me have a Christmas and new year worth remembering,” says Martin, who was forced to give up his job when his wife took ill. “Your generosity shows that people still care about people.”
With a $23 million national fundraising goal, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units to offer necessities to struggling individuals and families. Contributions to the campaign also support The Salvation Army’s life-changing programs, such as substance-use recovery, housing supports, job and life-skills training, and education classes that help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.
“For more than 135 years, The Salvation Army has provided help and hope for those in need,” says Lt-Colonel Murray. “We couldn’t do this without the strong outpouring of support and generosity of our donors and volunteers. In these final days before Christmas, we invite people to make a lasting impact in their community by donating to a Christmas kettle, online at SalvationArmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.”
