Skip to main content
Category

News

The Salvation Army & the Tejpar Family partner to help Feed our Neighbours!

Abbotsford, BC, March 27th, 2023 – The Tejpar family, owners of the Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre have committed to a 3 year partnership of $3,000 per year to support the Emergency Pantry at The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in Abbotsford.

“This is a true community partnership”, states Kim Hissink, Fundraising Coordinator for The Salvation Army. Through our Emergency Pantry we provide an average of 40 hampers per month. The hampers feed a family of 4 for 5-7 days. Currently the program costs are well over $36,000 annually and we are currently supplementing it almost fully. Their generosity will help ease the pressure.”

In 2022, 472 emergency hampers were provided through the pantry along with 300+ gift cards at Christmas to assist with Christmas meals. “It really does take a village and as the communities of Abbotsford and Mission continue to grow and the rising costs of food, we are so grateful to have community partners like the Tejpar Family. Their support over the next 3 years combined with our Big Red Food Bin drives will allow us to continue helping those in need in the communities of Abbotsford and Mission” states Rob Studiman, Community Ministries Director for The Salvation Army.

The Tejpar family shares, “Philanthropy has always remained a long-standing commitment within our family in supporting charitable groups and organizations. Giving is so important, as we assist the most vulnerable in improving their health and a chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty.”

For more information, contact:
Kim Hissink, Fundraising Coordinator
604.852.9305 Ext. #138 (office) / 604.832.2218 (work cell)
Kimberly.hissink@salvationarmy.ca

Local Developer partners with The Salvation Army- Abbotsford/Mission

Abbotsford, BC. December 17, 2021. In February 2022, Diverse Properties will be starting to demo the well-known Abbotsford News building in preparation for redevelopment.

In this season of giving, Diverse has partnered with the Abbotsford Mission Salvation Army Centre of Hope – to donate money raised from the buildings salvaged materials, some of its show home furniture and other useful household items.

Diverse has collected furniture and many useful household items from staging various Show Homes over the years which are currently stored in the building that will all be donated. In an interesting historical twist, the building also contains the original Abbotsford News ink tank, that has a salvage value of hundreds of dollars that will also be donated to the Salvation Army.

Diverse Partner and Vice President of Development P.L. Meindertsma shares: “It seemed to make sense to donate these valuable resources to the Salvation Army, who is not only located within proximity to this site but is also aligned with our vision to bring renewal and positive change to this area of Abbotsford.”

Rob Studiman, Community Ministries Director for The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope shares, “We are very honoured to partner with Diverse Properties during this giving season. With the ongoing COVID challenges and the added devastation from the recent floods and landslides, we are experiencing an increased demand upon our services. This generous donation will allow us to continue to provide comfort and hope to those greatly impacted as well as the most vulnerable in our community at Christmas and moving forward into 2022.”

The exciting development plans for this site will bring vibrancy and sophistication to Abbotsford housing.

Diverse Properties is an integrated group of real estate development construction and financing companies based in Abbotsford BC. We design innovative homes, transform neighbourhoods, and create communities that support family life. We are passionate about building something great, and it’s all possible because we care about our customers, the communities we develop in, and the great people who make up the Diverse team.

CONTACT: Greg Lowe, VP of Sales & Marketing
COMPANY: Diverse Properties Ltd
PHONE: 604.786,7566
EMAIL: Greg.Lowe@diverseproperties.com
WEB: diverseproperties.com

Christmas Kettle Campaign Reaches 92% of Goal!

The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign in Abbotsford/Mission has raised more than $152,000 during the three-week campaign, just shy of their $165,000 goal.

The funds come at a critical time as the organization is experiencing an increase in demand for programs and services during these difficult times. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army has seen an increase in the number of individuals and families requesting services in the community.

“This year has been tough for a lot of people,” says spokesperson Rob Studiman, Community Ministries Director. “Because of almost two years of living in a pandemic, a lot of people are still struggling. We are seeing a greater need and we rely on the public to help us meet the demand.”

“The people in Abbotsford and Mission have been incredibly generous this holiday season,” comments Majors Ruth & Ian Gillingham. “Every year we ask them to help their community and every year they step up to meet the demand and we can’t thank them enough.”

Every dollar raised through the Red Kettle campaign will stay in Abbotsford and Mission and will be used to fund vital programs and services. The Salvation Army works to provide the necessities: food, clothing, and shelter, while offering life-changing programs, such as Pathway of Hope, Supportive Independent Living, 12 Step as well as volunteer and part-time work opportunities that help people find a way out of poverty, permanently.

“Despite having to shorten this year’s Christmas Red Kettle Campaign due to the devastating flood, we came very close to reaching our fundraising goal. The last few weeks of 2021 brought unimaginable loss to many in our community. The community’s response to support one another was amazing! We are incredibly grateful to all those who contributed time and finances to support our fundraising effort. Thank you to all the merchants, kettle hosts and donors for making this possible. Your kindness and generosity enable us to continue to serve those in need locally”, shares Carolyn Pollard, Kettle Coordinator.

With money still being counted, the organization is hoping to meet its provincial target of $5 million. Nationally the organization is hoping to achieve its goal of $21 million.
Along with individual donors The Salvation Army is thankful for the ongoing generosity of numerous corporate partners, including Walmart, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, Canadian Tire, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, Great Canadian Superstore, and many more, who give and generously allow Christmas Kettles to be placed at their stores.

Local Charity Exceeds Goal of $150,000

Abbotsford, B.C. January 11, 2021 — The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign managed to hit their target, raising over $4.5 million provincially and over $160,000 locally, which will stay right here to help the community.
Due to the high cost of living in British Columbia, more people than ever are living at or below the poverty line; across Canada one in seven struggle to make ends meet. Added to this is a significant increased need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our annual Christmas campaign depends on this critical time of year to supply funding for programs and services to help our community’s most vulnerable all year long.

“Funds raised during the campaign stay local to help feed, clothe and shelter those in need, while helping others escape violence and addiction,” says spokesperson Captain Ruth Gillingham. “In many cases we are dealing with our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom are living in crisis. These funds will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals and families we serve. And it is because of our community … thank you.”

“This was an extraordinary year filled with many challenges. We are so appreciative of the community’s amazing response in support our Christmas Kettle Campaign. Thank you to everyone who donated to a kettle, to everyone who rang bells as kettle hosts, and to all the merchants who welcomed us to your stores! Because of your caring and generosity, we can continue to serve the most vulnerable in days to come,” states Carolyn Pollard – Kettle Coordinator for Abbotsford/Mission.

Each year, the Army relies on numerous corporate partners, including Walmart Canada, Loblaw Companies, Costco, BC Liquor Stores, Canadian Tire, Save-on-Foods, Sobeys, and many more, who generously allow Christmas kettles to be placed at their stores.

Although Christmas is over, The Salvation Army continues to assist those in need 365 days a year. Well over 1.7 million people were helped last year and we expect this number to continue to increase in 2021.

To make a financial contribution, or to volunteer your time locally, please visit www.centreofhope.net or call 604.852.9305.

Sally Ann adapts Fundraising for the Iconic Christmas Kettle Campaign $150,000 Goal Set for Abbotsford

Abbotsford, BC, November 13th, 2020 – The Salvation Army –Abbotsford will officially launch its 2020 Christmas Kettle Campaign on Monday, November 23rd, its largest public fundraising drive of the year. The Salvation Army provides practical assistance in 400 communities across the country to vulnerable individuals at Christmastime and throughout the year. As the coronavirus continues to impact lives, it is expected that the need for support will continue to grow in the coming months.

“Folks will notice some changes this year, fewer kettle locations, 13 in Abbotsford and 5 in Mission, hosted by wonderful volunteers and paid workers, comments Kim Hissink, Fundraising Coordinator, “we are equipping everyone with PPE and adhering to local and provincial guidelines for social distancing.” “The traditional kettle kick-off event that is hosted by The Abbotsford Pilots will not take place this year, but we are getting creative and will be producing a short kick-off video that will be uploaded for everyone to enjoy”, continues Hissink. “The Angel Tree will once again be in Sevenoaks Shopping Centre from November 30th to December 14th – allowing the community to choose tags and shop for the wish list of local children.”

With a national $23 million fundraising goal, and a goal for Abbotsford/Mission of $150,000, the Christmas Kettle Campaign enables local Salvation Army units to provide practical assistance to thousands of individuals and families who have met with hard times. This year due to the coronavirus, more and more people are facing new financial challenges and frightening realities.

Locally, the “R” family knows firsthand how The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign supports vulnerable families. “With gratitude and a brimming heart, our family would like to express how impactful The Salvation Army Centre of Hope has been in our lives during the Christmas season, and throughout the year. We are a hardworking family, with a very modest income, and we often times find ourselves with very little come Christmas time.” Last year the family registered for the Angel Tree Program and received gifts for their children they would not have been able to provide. There were presents under the tree from Santa for the children and they experienced a magical Christmas.
Last year, across the country The Salvation Army helped more than 1.9 million people, providing 3.3 million free meals, assisting 233,000 with Christmas food hampers and toys, and over 1.3 million with food, clothing or practical help.
The demand for food and practical assistance is increasing. The Salvation Army in Abbotsford has provided over 1,800 hampers to date, a 50% increase over 2019 by partnering with the Abbotsford School District over the summer months and providing daily hampers for families and individuals from the Emergency Pantry at The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope on Gladys Avenue.

“The Salvation Army has been serving the community of Abbotsford for over 35 years” say Captains Ruth & Ian Gillingham. “This year is unlike any other as we have worked alongside our community partners to care for and meet the needs of so many. At this time of year, which is normally a time of fun, festivity, and family celebration we are facing uncertainty, isolation, and other unnamed challenges. This Christmas season, The Salvation Army will continue to be mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship due to the generosity of our donors and volunteers.”
The campaign would not be possible without the support of numerous local corporate partners, including BC Liquor Stores, Canadian Tire, Costco, HighStreet Shopping Centre, London Drugs, Save-on-Foods, Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, Superstore and Walmart.

Beyond donating to The Salvation Army’s physical Christmas kettles, FilltheKettle.com, a Salvation Army mobile site, will enable donors to give through their mobile devices or computers. Users of FilltheKettle.com can also host their own online kettle and encourage their friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to donate to The Salvation Army.
Donations to the 2020 Christmas Campaign can also be made in person or via mail to The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope – 34081 Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8 or by calling 604.852.9305 Ext. 138.

Download the PDF version of this news item

Country 107.1 and Zacharias Vickers LLP Kids Tools for School Backpack Program

Country 107.1 and Zacharias Vickers LLP are giving kids the tools to succeed this upcoming 2020/2021 school Season.

Along with Murray GM Abbotsford and Salvation Army Centre of Hope Abbotsford and through supportive donors and sponsors in our community, we’re ensuring kids will be school ready and have the tools that they need to succeed.

Country 107.1 and Zacharias Vickers LLP Kids Tools for School Backpack Program will help to provide a backpack and school supplies to low income children. Despite a family’s financial status, it will assist in removing the barriers that stand in front of their individual learning and will give each child who benefits from this program the chance to reach their full potential during this school year, and in life!

This year, more than ever, there is a need to help children whose families won’t be able to afford the school supplies that they need this year for school, whether the kids go back to school in person, or experience e-learning and homeschool. This year, the program hopes to help over 200 kids.

If you are an individual, a business or an organization and would like to help out and donate to ensure that children receive the tools that they need you can contact Kim Hissink at Salvation Army Centre of Hope 604.852.9305 ext. #138 or  via email at khissink@sacascade.ca

Even a small donation will make a huge difference to a child in need. Can you help join us to make it happen?

If you feel that your child will benefit from this program, please contact Kim Hissink at Salvation Army Centre of Hope 604.852.9305 ext. #138 or via email at khissink@sacascade.ca to apply for a Country 107.1 and Zacharias Vickers LLP Kids Tools for School Backpack.

Thrift Store and Donation Drop-Off Now Open

We are happy to announce that both the Thrift Store and Donation Drop-Off are once again open. We are open to serve you as follows:

Shopping Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Drop-off Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9:30am – 3pm, CLOSED Wednesdays for drop offs.
Address: 34081 Gladys Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8
Telephone: 604-852-9305 Ext. #139

Check our Facebook page for Thrift Store Specials!

View Thirft Store Specials on Facebook!

For more information, you can download PDF files with more details below.

Thrift Store PDF Donation Drop-Off PDF

Thrift Store is Currently Closed

The Salvation Army Thrift Store is currently close for both shopping and drop offs. We thank you for patience and understanding during this closure and please check in regular for updates!