AROUND THE TERRITORY
Kettle Campaign Raises $22 Million THANKS TO CONTRIBUTIONS from donors, volunteers and community partners, $22 million was raised during The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle campaign. Donations to the campaign will remain in the local communities in which they were raised and will help the Army fight poverty. “We are truly touched by the generosity of our neighbours, peers and corporate partners, year after year,” says Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. “Their continued support allows us to fulfil our mission to help people in need and moves us one step closer to putting an end to poverty through the provision of life-changing services.” As the Army’s largest annual fundraiser, the kettle campaign ensures that people in need will receive basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. Donations also enable the Army to help people find a way out of poverty through programs such as substance abuse recovery, job and skills training, and educational courses. In addition to the funds collected in the familiar red kettles, The Salvation Army is grateful for the support of corporate sponsors, such as Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life who donated $50,000 to the campaign. Walmart Canada partnered with The Salvation Army for “Walmart Fill the Kettle Day,” during which the company matched contributions made to kettles in its stores up to a maximum donation of $50,000. Other corporate partners included Loblaw Companies Limited, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, LCBO (in Ontario), Canadian Tire, Cadillac Fairview, Metro, Safeway, Save-on-foods, Sobeys and many local retailers and malls.
Salvationist Courtney Pollett lends a helping hand at a Winnipeg Christmas kettle
Heritage Park Temple Highlights Ministry in Winnipeg MORE THAN 150 people attended the Prairie Division’s first Mission Connection open house, held in the newly renovated Shier Hall at Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple in November. To demonstrate the broad scope of the Army’s services, 17 ministry units exhibited displays highlighting their areas of ministry, including correctional and justice services, family and educational services, and neighbourhood church ministries.
Kim Park, executive director, Community Venture, and Joyce Kristjannson display Flames of Courage
Winnipeg’s strategic plan, launched in March 2013, calls the Army to “develop healthy and connected congregations.” It was out of this expression that Mission Connection was born. Major Shawn Critch, divisional commander, Prairie Division, greeted those gathered for a short program that featured trumpet player Colin Williams of Heritage Park Temple and drama and mime by teens from various ministry units. As well, a painting entitled Flames of Courage was presented to Joyce Kristjannson, executive director of Winnipeg’s Golden West Centennial Lodge, by Major James Anderson, divisional secretary for business administration, Prairie Division, in recognition of the efforts of the facility’s staff to care for residents during an emergency evacuation and relocation. The artist is a member of the Army’s Community Venture program in Winnipeg, which provides developmental day programming, as well as residential, transportation, outreach and respite services, to adults living with intellectual disabilities. “We’ve had an opportunity to see what great work is happening under the umbrella of The Salvation Army,” said Major Margaret McLeod, area commander, Prairie Division, in her closing remarks. “May the light of Jesus Christ continue to shine within the city of Winnipeg.” Salvationist • March 2015 • 5