For children in Hamilton, a week at summer camp can feel like a lifetime of memories. 

Funds raised through The Santa shuffle help The Salvation Army Hamilton Community & Family Services send 80 children to Jackson’s Point and Camp Newport for a week of summer camp. Away from the pressures of school and city life, children have the opportunity to experience something many of us might take for granted a carefree week where they can play, discover new things and create memories of their own. 

“A week at camp gives these children a chance to step away from the stresses of school and city life and simply enjoy being kids. The support we receive through the Santa Shuffle helps make that experience possible for children who may not otherwise have the opportunity.” —Cindy

Making that week possible comes with a significant investment. Each child’s camp experience costs approximately $400, meaning it takes about $32,000 to send all 80 children to camp, in addition to transportation and other essential expenses. Santa Shuffle fundraising helps remove those financial barriers, ensuring more children can experience a summer filled with connection, adventure and joy. 

But the impact of that support doesn’t stop when summer ends. 

During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army Hamilton Community & Family Services supports more than 1,000 families and 900 children with Christmas hampers and toys. 

For a family going through a difficult time, a Christmas hamper can mean having enough food to put on the table. For a child, a gift can mean waking up on Christmas morning with something to unwrap and a reason to feel excited. Behind every hamper and every toy is a simple message: you matter, and your community has not forgotten you.

That is the meaning behind the Santa Shuffle. 

It is not only about a finish line. It is about what happens because people chose to take that first step.  

When you register, fundraise or support someone at the Santa Shuffle, you are helping create meaningful moments long after race day. You are helping give a child a summer to remember and helping families feel supported when they need it most. 

Because sometimes, hope looks like a week at camp. Sometimes, it looks like a Christmas hamper. And sometimes, it starts with simply taking one step forward.

The post Your Steps Can Give a Child a Summer to Remember appeared first on The Salvation Army.

This connection initially began in 1991, when Murray joined a Salvation Army program that helped him overcome alcoholism.

“I took the courageous step of reaching out to the food bank.”

A few years later, Murray was forced to close a landscaping business and once again turned to The Salvation Army, this time looking for food assistance and support with other essential needs.

“I found myself lost, homeless and hungry,” Murray shares. “I took the courageous step of reaching out to the food bank, something I never prepared myself for. It was totally humbling.”

Additionally, Murray enrolled in The Army’s Pathway of Hope, a specialized program with intensive case management designed to help individuals break the cycle of poverty. He also received housing support and assistance finding a permanent place to live.

Through his caseworker, Murray received encouragement and referrals to other community resources.

“The workers at The Salvation Army are amazing. They provide me with so much more than just food,” Murray adds.

It has now been 15 years since Murray reconnected with The Salvation Army. The journey toward stability has been long.

Today, he is nearing retirement age but is unable to work and relies on the provincial disability support program for income.

Despite the challenges he still faces, Murray is grateful to the organization for being there for him all these years.

Currently, he accesses the food bank, receives emotional and spiritual care through counselling and takes part in a free tax clinic, which helps him while living on a limited income.

“They support me during tax season and it saves me so much stress each year,” Murray adds. “I am forever grateful.”

For Murray, his connection with the staff at The Salvation Army means a lot.

“I could not have done this without them.”

“I see them all, not just as friends but like family,” he says. “The Salvation Army feels like a home away from home.”

Reflecting on the incredibly difficult obstacles he has had to overcome, Murray credits the organization as a major reason he is still here today.

“I am thankful every day to The Salvation Army for their amazing support. I could not have done this without them,” he concludes.

By Juan Romero

The post Long Connection with Salvation Army Helps Client Overcome Challenges appeared first on The Salvation Army.

by Simran Rambhia

Every year, The Santa Shuffle brings people together to run, walk and celebrate the Christmas season. Some come for tradition. Some come with family and friends. Others come because they know their participation can make a difference. 

And some come because they know their steps can mean something to someone else.  

“It was a fantastic day filled with fun, meeting new people and raising money all at the same time. It was a wonderful time had by all. I met a new lady who helped us in the kitchen, and now she attends our church and volunteers on Wednesdays. God works in wonderful ways.” Daisy Langdon (volunteer) 

That is the heart of the Santa Shuffle. 

Behind every registration and dollar raised is a story that may never be seen by the person who made the donation. 

Through Santa Shuffle registrations and fundraising, The Salvation Army provided 347 Christmas hampers in 2025, reaching 624 adults, 152 teens and 422 children in Whitby. 

For children, the kindness went a little further; 1,688 toys were given out, turning donations into something a child could unwrap, hold and remember. 

But The Salvation Army’s support does not end with Christmas. 

When the Christmas lights come down, the need remains. Santa Shuffle funds help keep The Salvation Army’s food bank shelves stocked throughout the year. Each month, more than 500 households, representing over 1,600 individuals, receive food support in Whitby. 

When summer arrives, the impact reaches children in a different way.  
In summer 2027, 15 children from Whitby will have the opportunity to attend overnight camp for a week to discover new things, make friends, have fun and create memories that can stay with them for years. 

And there is another part of the Santa Shuffle that cannot be measured in numbers. It is found in the people who show up volunteering. 

Some arrive simply wanting to give their time and help make the event happen. But through setting up, serving, cheering on participants and working together, they become part of something bigger. 

Connections are made. Friendships develop. People encourage and support one another through both service and personal challenges. 

For some, these connections continue long after race day. They go on to volunteer in other areas of The Salvation Army, while others become connected with the church community. 

What started as a few hours of giving became an opportunity to find community, build relationships, and be reminded that we are stronger when we support one another. 

That is what makes The Santa Shuffle more than a race. 

Every registration, fundraiser and volunteer becomes part of an impact that reaches far beyond one December morning. 

A hamper provides support. 

A toy brings joy. 
A food bank shelf brings hope. 
A week at camp creates lasting memories. 
And volunteering can create friendships and a sense of belonging. 

So, when you see the Santa Shuffle in Whitby, look beyond the runners and the finish line. 

The Santa Shuffle may last one morning. 
But its impact continues long after the race is over. 

The post In Whitby, Hope Doesn’t End with Christmas  appeared first on The Salvation Army.

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There are some things you notice right away. 

A table filled with food. 
A child is opening a Christmas gift. 
A cup of hot chocolate warming cold hands. 
Laughter filling a room. 

And then there are the things you may never notice at all. 

An elevator that reaches the ground floor when the power goes out. 
A door that opens when someone needs to get out. 
A safety system quietly standing ready, just in case. 

At L’Abri d’espoir, a safe shelter and transitional housing facility for women in Montreal, care can look like both. 

During the 2025 holiday season, 47 women and seven children staying at L’Abri d’espoir came together for a series of celebrations. There was a Christmas supper on December 22, a Christmas Eve devotional with hot chocolate and cookies, a special brunch and gifts on Christmas Day, and a New Year’s celebration on December 31. 

These weren’t just meals or gatherings. They were opportunities to feel connected, welcomed and remembered during a season when everyone deserves to feel a little more at home. 

And sometimes, care means preparing for the moments no one hopes will happen. 

“I feel safe here. The staff do a great job; they are patient and understanding and respond to our needs.” — Megan

Earlier in 2026, two L’Abri d’espoir caseworkers became trapped in the building’s elevator during separate incidents. One was inside for 10 minutes; the other for 40. Thankfully, no residents were involved. 

The incidents made one thing clear: the building needed an added layer of safety. 

With approximately $13,000 from Santa Shuffle fundraising, L’Abri d’espoir installed an elevator emergency return system. In the event of a power outage, the system helps bring the elevator safely to the main floor and open its doors, giving passengers a safe way out. 

It’s the kind of improvement most people will never notice. 

And that’s exactly what makes it meaningful. 

Santa Shuffle fundraising helped make room for both the moments people see and the moments they may never know happened bringing warmth and celebration to women and children while helping create a safer place for them to live. 

Because sometimes, caring for someone means making them smile. 

And sometimes, it means quietly making sure they’re safe. 

That is what hope can look like in The Salvation Army: a celebration around the table, a safer building, and the simple reassurance that someone is looking out for you.

The post The Things You Don’t See Can Change Everything  appeared first on The Salvation Army.

Since then, The Salvation Army in Penticton, located just over 17 kilometres from Summerland, has worked alongside local organizations to ensure evacuees have access to essentials.

Major Paul Trickett, leader at The Salvation Army in Penticton, has helped coordinate donations and partnerships to support those impacted.

While many of the evacuees have now returned home, the long recovery process is just beginning, as some suffered extensive property damage and lost belongings.

“Many people have lost everything. So, to us, this is still an emergency,” Major Trickett says. “We are supporting them with clothing and food where needed.”

Supporting Residents Through Recovery

As residents return to Summerland, demand for assistance is increasing. Many individuals who couldn’t work during the evacuation now face financial difficulties.

To help address this need, The Salvation Army provided approximately four pallets of nourishment to the Summerland Food Bank.

The effort was made possible through a regional partnership.

“We partnered with the Kelowna Food Bank, which is the main hub for our region,” Major Trickett shares. “So, they’re helping us help Summerland; we’ve all kind of gelled.”

Community Organizations Come Together

The collaboration among organizations across the area has been extensive. Major Trickett says the response has brought people together as they work toward a common goal of helping those in need.

“Out of tragedy, our community really came forward,” he adds. “It has been amazing to see, quite frankly.”

The Salvation Army also partnered with a local heating company whose owner lost his home in the fire. Together, they have provided bedding and hygiene supplies to residents affected. The local Church of Latter-day Saints, Sikh Temple and Rotary Club have also donated to the Army to assist with relief efforts.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams also arrived from other parts of British Columbia, as well as Alberta and Saskatchewan, to provide additional resources.

At the same time, The Salvation Army’s Penticton food bank continues serving people in its own community. During the initial stages of the response, some supplies were redirected to help evacuees, putting additional pressure on what was available to local residents.

A Community United

However, The Salvation Army has thankfully been able to keep up so far, highlighting the importance of donors.

“This is why we collect donations during Christmas in our kettles. That’s why we do mailouts. So we have the means to respond to events like these that we don’t see coming,” Major Trickett explains.

Now that the wildfire has died down, residents can begin the extensive recovery process. It may be a long journey for some, but they can be sure of one thing: they are not alone.

“It is amazing to see just humanity come together,” Major Trickett says. “Everybody was helping. It really brought our community closer.”

By Juan Romero

The post Salvation Army in Penticton Lends a Hand after Wildfire appeared first on The Salvation Army.

This is a global movement that encourages people to choose second-hand shopping, helping extend the life of pre-loved items while making more affordable and sustainable choices.

“Choosing second-hand is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and extend the life of everyday items.”

For Canadians looking to take part in this initiative through Salvation Army thrift stores, the impact of their choices goes beyond environmental consciousness, as purchases and donations help support the organization’s programs in communities across the country.

“Choosing second-hand is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and extend the life of everyday items,” says Ted Troughton, managing director of The Salvation Army Thrift Store. “Through The Salvation Army Thrift Store, your impact goes further: every purchase and donation helps keep usable goods in circulation while supporting life-changing Salvation Army services across Canada.”

Giving clothing and household items a new life diverts them from landfills and reduces waste. It also contributes to a more circular economy, where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible.

“Every purchase and donation helps keep usable goods in circulation while supporting life-changing Salvation Army programs and services.”

According to the Salvation Army Thrift Store’s 2025-2026 impact report, 85.7 million pounds of donated goods were diverted from local waste sites, including nearly 47.8 million pounds of clothing and textiles.

Approximately 95 percent of goods donated to The Salvation Army Thrift Store are given a second life through its retail locations or ethical partners.

Across the country, The Salvation Army operates 98 thrift stores welcoming millions of guests and donors each year.

Secondhand September gives people the opportunity to consider donating items they no longer need and buy pre-owned. Whether it’s an awesome pre-loved outfit or household items, passing along goods that are still usable can help reduce waste and conserve resources.

This month, we encourage you to choose second-hand and give everyday items a better life cycle, one purchase and donation at a time.

To learn more about Secondhand September and how you can participate, visit www.thriftstore.ca/secondhand-september/

By Juan Romero

The post Shopping with Purpose During Secondhand September appeared first on The Salvation Army.

“If you want to go far, run together.”

by Simran Rambhia

At The Willows Family Life Centre in Langley, B.C., moving forward is not something people have to do alone. 

Every day, the Centre creates safe spaces where children, youth, adults and families can find connections, learn new skills, and take steps toward greater well-being. Through evidence-based education, meaningful mentorship and programs designed to meet people where they are, The Willows Family Life Centre is helping build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

The Santa Shuffle helps make that possible. 

“Ho, ho, ho! This was such a great event and brought people from across our community together.” –  Travis 

Funds raised through the event support programs that offer more than information or resources they create opportunities for people to feel seen, supported and connected. 

For high school youth, BRAVE provides ongoing mentorship and connection during a time when having someone in your corner can make a lasting difference. 

For those walking through loss, GriefShare offers a safe and supportive space to heal. Through PEACE, children and youth receive psycho-educational support in an environment where they can feel safe, respected, valued and heard. Community meals made possible through Santa Shuffle fundraising bring participants together around the same table, creating moments of connection and belonging. 

The Centre also helps people build practical skills for everyday life. Christians Against Poverty supports individuals as they work toward budgeting and financial freedom. RentSmart provides education that can help people build greater housing stability, while Triple P equips parents with positive parenting strategies they can carry into their homes and families. 

Each program offers a different kind of support, but they share the same purpose: helping people take their next step with greater confidence and a stronger sense of community.

That is the impact behind every Santa Shuffle step. 

When you run, walk or fundraise, you are doing more than helping someone reach a finish line. You are helping create spaces where a young person can find a mentor, where someone grieving can find comfort, where a family can learn new skills and where a neighbour can discover that they do not have to face life alone. 

The post Taking the Next Step Starts Together   appeared first on The Salvation Army.

This report brings together key accomplishments from the past year, consolidated financial information and inspiring stories that showcase lives transformed and hope restored through the work of The Salvation Army.

As a Christian church and charitable organization, The Salvation Army is committed to making a meaningful and lasting difference for individuals and families during times of need. Last year alone, we welcomed more than 2.1 million visits for assistance across more than 400 communities.

Every act of kindness, every helping hand and every donation enables us to bring hope, compassion and practical support to those facing difficult circumstances.   

We invite you to watch below and discover the difference your generosity makes.  

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