More than just a food bank

As we wrap up this years Christmas Kettle Campaign, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Community for the support you’ve given The Salvation Army this past year. We’ve been serving Powell River since 1956, and every year, this community just shines this time of year.

With your contribution this season, we were able to provide over 200 Christmas Hampers to those in need. While some of the funds donated to our Christmas Campaign do go towards the food bank and purchasing food for our Christmas Hampers, that’s just a small part of a much larger range of services that The Salvation Army offers.

The Salvation Army offers services such as emergency housing; a fresh produce line; a community lunch each week; and more.
Apart from these services, we recently acquired an old 1963 Chevrolet Cube Truck, which is currently being renovated to serve as an Emergency Disaster Services and Community Response Unit. Our vision for this unit it to hit the streets of Powell River. We will be serving up hot beverages and small meals to those in need. The homelessness in our community, although not as prominent as in the bigger cities, does exist here in Powell River. This unit will be here to serve them as needed. On those cold nights, you can expect the van to head out making sure those are well equipped to handle our wet, bone chilling weather. The van will also be available at large-scale Emergencies. Providing beverages and sandwiches to emergency crews, and civilians on large fire or disaster scenes.

With the rise of poverty increasing, and affordable house decreasing, The Salvation Army is aware of the need and wants the be apart of the solution. The Salvation Army is passionately committed to eradicating poverty and caring for people who are struggling.  The Salvation Army is working to address the dehumanizing scourge of poverty and injustice and educate the public about what it means to live in poverty – and what they can do to help. Here in Powell River, we’ve recently partnered up with Coldest Night of the Year; a fundraiser to raise funds specifically to help the hunger, the homeless, and the hurting. So on February 25, 2017, take a walk in their shoes. Participate in a 2, 5, or 10km walk or run out in the cold, and lets work together to end poverty!

Walmart Canada Helps The Salvation Army Fill the Kettle

TORONTO, December 14, 2016 ― On Saturday, December 17, Walmart Canada will match donations made by individuals to Salvation Army Christmas kettles located in its stores nationwide up to a maximum of $100,000.

In addition, Walmart Canada will contribute $80,000 to CTV Toy Mountain in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg. This will support the purchase of new toys that will be distributed to children in need this Christmas.

“Since 2007, Walmart Canada and its customers have donated more than $22 million to The Salvation Army through our Christmas kettle campaign,” says Major Les Marshall, Territorial Public Relations and Development Secretary. “We rely heavily on, and are truly grateful for, the support of our generous donors who make it possible for us to assist over 1.9 million vulnerable people each year.”

With a $21-million fundraising goal, the Christmas kettle campaign enables local Salvation Army units to work with struggling individuals and families and help with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. Contributions will also support The Salvation Army’s life-changing programs, such as substance abuse recovery, housing supports, job and life-skills training, and education classes, that help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.

Donations to the 2016 Christmas Campaign can be made at FilltheKettle.com, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 4500 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC  V8A 3A6.

About The Salvation Army:
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. For over 130 years, The Salvation Army has given hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in 128 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of more than 405 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, walmart.ca is visited by 600,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated $250 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

 

Santa Train 2016

The Salvation Army was on site at the 2016 Santa Train, accepting donations of food items and toys.

A huge thank you to the Powell River Forestry Heritage Society for including The Salvation Army in this event!

Santa Train 2016

JOIN US AND THE POWELL RIVER FORESTRY HERITAGE SOCIETY AS THEY HOST THE 2016 SANTA TRAIN. 4365 MCLEOD ROAD AT THE EXHIBITION GROUNDS.

Taking place Friday & Saturday evening on December 9th and 10th from 5pm – 8pm.

Everyone welcome! Bring a non perishable food item or a new unwrapped toy to ride the train. The Salvation Army Santa Van and our Christmas Kettles will be on site!

There will be a bonfire, food, hot drinks, live music, and kids activities.

This is an outdoor event happening rain or shine so please dress warmly.

A Huge Thank you to Forestry Heritage Society for organizing this event and for being a key supporter to The Salvation Army here in Powell River.