IMPACT – Your Support in Ac�on –
B.C. Kettle Campaign Struggles During The Pandemic This year’s Red Kettle Program in British Columbia certainly had its obstacles. Challenged by everything from the pandemic to inclement weather, the program was tested and stretched to its limits. Fortunately, we have some incredibly dedicated officers, staff, and volunteers who soldiered through. Despite everything, with the incredible support of our donors in communities across the province, we managed to raise close to $4.5 million. While we missed our overall goal of $5 million, we feel blessed to have raised this amount. In provinces across Canada, there were similar challenges, but overall the campaign was a success and we managed to raise $20.4 million, exceeding our target of $20 million. The big hit continues to be the tap-and-go technology that is starting to take hold in B.C. and pay dividends.
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The best thing about the Red Kettle program is that money raised in a community will stay in that community to feed, clothe and shelter those in need, while paying for other important programs and services, such as education and employment, spiritual care and counselling, and children’s wellness. Our work in 56 communities across British Columbia relies on funding from Red Kettles. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity and to let you know that you are making a difference in your community. Because of the generosity and support of donors like you, we are able to help individuals and families across B.C., people like Maria and her family. You can read their story ‘Finding a Family in British Columbia’ at salvationarmy.ca/ britishcolumbia
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THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT support those impacted by this disaster. We would also like to say a special thank you to the team at Z95.3 who partnered with us to do a one-day fundraising blitz that helped us raise over $600,000. We would also like to thank companies such as Telus and Craftsman Collision who stepped in at this critical time to support their communities. But most of all we want to thank you, our loyal and committed donors for going above and beyond so that we could support individuals and families during this very difficult time. Thank you.
Coming Together During Our Worst Disaster
A full report will be made available for our next newsletter.
This year, B.C. faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in our history. Communities in the Fraser Valley were devasted by floods that submerged farmlands, killed livestock in the thousands, washed away bridges, destroyed highways, and sadly claimed the lives of family members. The flood is the most costly disaster we have ever experienced in the province and it will take months and years to rebuild and recover. With the devastation also came great bravery and solidarity as British Columbians and Canadians responded with great heart. At The Salvation Army, our Emergency Disaster Services personnel went into immediate response mode. From day one, we were on the ground providing food and hydration to first responders and evacuees. We set up our incident command centre in Abbotsford, deployed our EDS vehicles to the hardesthit areas, and worked side-by-side with Emergency Management B.C. to help communities in dire need. We were able to do this because of the great response from donors across the province, country, and the world. In only a couple of days, we raised over $1 million, which went immediately to support the hardest-hit communities in their response effort. To date, we have raised close to $2 million, which will continue to go to those communities to help immediate and long-term recovery. We are working closely with municipal leaders, including those in the Indigenous communities to ensure the funds are getting to the most critical areas. We want to thank our donors for putting the trust in us to manage their gifts responsibly and efficiently as we
A New Life, Thanks to You Everything in life for Razkia and her family was good in Libya. She had a good job, good home, and a great family. But after the revolution started everything changed … “They were bombing each other, every time you will expect that you will die.” Razkia credits God for helping keep them safe and her son alive after he was kidnapped by ISIS. Eventually they were able to flee and began their journey looking for a new home as refugees. Starting in Europe they eventually were brought to Victoria and were soon introduced to The Salvation Army. “They help us with everything in the world … me and my family feel so grateful for them” ...continued on page 3
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Because of the generosity and support of donors like you, we are able to help families like Razkia’s across B.C. and continue Giving Hope Today … and every day. And we thank you. Visit salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia to watch Razkia’s Story and learn about the impact The Salvation Army has had in her life.
“I’m on the other side today because of programming, structure, caring and loving.” “The constant desire for more drugs and my association with gang violence and criminal activity cost me a lifetime of pain,” says Norman. Having Courage to Pick Up the Phone “The life I live today doesn’t look like the one I lived in addiction,” says Norman, 45. “When I met my grandchildren, I was physically sick from drugs and alcohol, and ashamed of my poor choices. I wanted to be a positive impact on their lives. I was ready for change. In 2016, I picked up the phone to seek help and was referred to The Salvation Army’s Belkin House in Vancouver.” “The life I live today doesn’t look like the one I lived in addiction.”
A Personal Story of Triumph For three decades, drugs and alcohol were Norman’s solution to numb the heartache of abandonment, betrayal, violence and emotional abuse. Then, after meeting his first grandchild, he really wanted to be a positive influence. But could he get serious about recovery and healing the relationships he had with his children?
Belkin House offers a residential facility, a temporary home for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The state-of-the-art building was designed specifically to accommodate housing, training programs, in-class instruction and other services such as counselling. A diversity of residents benefit from programs and fresh opportunities for change. “No one in my life gave me guidance until I came to Belkin House,” says Norman. “When I arrived, I was a wreck. All I cared about was selling dope to feed my addiction. I’m on the other side today because of programming, structure, caring and loving.”
The Effects of Parental Alcoholism
Healing and Transformation
As a toddler, Norman was exposed to the effects of alcoholism at home. Both parents were alcoholics. He often witnessed violence and the police were called frequently. By age three, he was living in foster care.
At Belkin House for 23 months, Norman participated in programs such as life skills, anger management and substance-use recovery. While there, he graduated from the culinary arts program headed by the Belkin House food services manager. In December 2020, he was hired on as a full-time cook.
“I lost count of how many foster homes and young offenders’ facilities I lived in,” says Norman. “When I was told I would be a ward of the court, that government would make decisions about my life, I chose to be homeless. I was 13.” From ages 13 to 40, Norman slept in vestibules, on park benches and in emergency shelters—sometimes at The Salvation Army where he would also get food and clothing. Feeling like a hopelessly lost cause, he didn’t think he deserved to get clean. salvationarmy.ca | Winter 2022
“I wouldn’t be alive today but for The Salvation Army.” “The recovering me is responsible, self-sufficient, hard-working and substance-free,” says Norman. “I am grateful I chose to go to Belkin House. I wouldn’t be alive today but for The Salvation Army.”
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rebuild our Vancouver Harbour Light facility on the Downtown Eastside. “Between our company and our foundation, we fund causes like The Salvation Army because they focus on basic needs. Our focus now and for the next several years has been on not-for-profit housing initiatives, and food security programs. Added to that are a number of capital campaigns we have pledged substantial funds towards.” - Shirley Barnett
Corporate Corner – Dayhu Group of Companies Every day in British Columbia we rely on the generosity and dedication of individuals and corporations to support our mission. Whether it’s a $20 donation or a $200,000 commitment, their contribution allows us to provide practical, compassionate support to individuals and families in need. One of these very special groups is the Dayhu Group of Companies and the Ben & Esther Dayson Foundation. Since 2015, they have been very supportive and have helped us in areas such as food security and providing housing initiatives. Recently they made a very generous commitment of $15,000. This money will be directed to our Nine Stories of Hope campaign, which will help us
Whether they sponsor our Hope in the City Breakfast, support our local golf tournament, or donate to our capital projects, we simply could not do the work we do or have the impact we have on the lives of individuals, families, and communities without their generous support. From all of us here and on behalf of those who we serve, we would like to thank Dayhu Group of Companies and the Ben & Esther Dayson Foundation for their commitment to the communities they live and work in. To learn how your organization can support The Salvation Army please contact Michelle Boileau Major Gifts, Corporate & Foundations Officer E-mail: Michelle.Boileau@salvationarmy.ca
Your Impact at Work As a vital partner contributing to the work of The Salvation Army , you help us feed, clothe and shelter those in need, while helping others escape violence and addiction. The support you provide allows us to be a transforming influence in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. And because of you, we give people hope today… and every day in communities across this province. Thank you.
14,000+
PEOPLE RECEIVED CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
1.4 Million+
155,000+
PEOPLE RECEIVED EMERGENCY FOOD HAMPERS
PEOPLE RECEIVED A FREE MEAL THROUGH OUR FEEDING PROGRAMS
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2,000+
BEDS MADE AVAILABLE EVERY NIGHT
1,000+
INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE SOME FORM OF ADDICTION TREATMENT SERVICE
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