HALIFAX, September 1, 2010 – CIBC celebrated its $100,000 commitment to The Salvation Army in Halifax with a donation presentation at the CIBC Barrington and Duke branch. CIBC’s donation will go towards repairs and upgrades beginning this year to The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope on Gottingen Street. The funds will help restore The Salvation Army’s flagship social services facility including the Booth Centre, home to a 40-bed men’s shelter and a 19-bed rehabilitation program for men with addictions.

“CIBC’s outstanding gift to our Operation: Building Hope capital campaign has made a huge difference,” says Major Larry Martin, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army. “The critical repairs and renovations taking place this year at our Centre of Hope on Gottingen Street were made possible by leadership level gifts like the one made by CIBC. We couldn’t do this without their support, and we greatly appreciate CIBC’s partnership in making our community a better place for all citizens.”

Over the course of its lengthy history in Halifax, CIBC has made a difference by supporting a wide range of community-based organizations. In the past three years alone, the bank has contributed $650,000 to local organizations including the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre Foundation, capital campaigns for local universities and colleges, the YMCA and The Salvation Army, among others.

“At CIBC, we are committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients,
our employees and our communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of our employees,” said Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President of CIBC Retail Markets for Eastern Canada.

“Terry Gardiner, CIBC’s vice-president for the Atlantic region, is a great example of how our employees are involved in the community,” Vinet continued. “Terry has served on The Salvation Army’s capital campaign cabinet and is Chair of the Advisory Board, overseeing the work of transforming the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

Friday the 13th of August was blessed with beautiful weather – yet again – for The Annual Transcontinental “Tee Off For The Kids” at Granite Springs golf course near Halifax.

15 teams and 60 participants had a ball, beef buffet, and unbeatable golf while raising over $16,000 in support of sending kids to Scotian Glen Camp. Check out the on-line photo album of the fun HERE.

Terry Mounce and his Transcontinental team have now raised close to $60,000 over four years of organizing this extraordinary tournament – hosted once again by delightful duffer Bill Carr.

Golfers opened their hearts and their wallets on and off the course. Lori Smith, with Transcontinental customer service, had no trouble stuffing The Salvation Army course Kettle with an extra $400..!

Maritime Divisional Commander Major Larry Martin thanked all of the participants and accepted the funds on behalf of The Salvation Army’s Scotian Glen Camp.

Let there be no doubt about the value of these dollars – an investment in the spirit and development of children from across the Maritimes. Have a peek yourself. Click HERE and HERE.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

This year marks the 125th Anniversary of The Salvation Army ‘opening fire’ in the Maritime Division. In those early years, there was much curiosity about their methods and message but the seed of Salvationism took root. It has stood the test of time. While methods may change over the years, the message must remain constant. We are a “Salvation” Army and we must “stand for Christ, for Christ alone”.

The Division has embraced the theme “Rooted in Hope” for this year of celebrations. Various commemorations are planned in several communities, but the celebrations were launched during the Territorial Commander’s visit to Halifax on April 9-11.

Territorial Commanders for Canada & Bermuda, Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, had a whirlwind of activity marking this anniversary. This included a renaming ceremony of the Booth Centre complex in the heart of Halifax – now known as “The Centre of Hope”. Help celebrate the occasion by visiting the online photo album HERE.

Soon after, the Commissioners visited the Maritime Divisional Headquarter unveiled an extraordinary gift of hope and music: the symbolic “125 Guitar” crafted by renowned luthier George Rizsanyi.

James Taylor, Keith Richards, Sting and Peter Gabriel are among the performers who play unique, handcrafted Rizsanyi guitars. In addition, George built the iconic Six String Nation guitar from 63 pieces of Canadian history, including a piece of decking from the Bluenose II, a piece of Wayne Gretzky’s hockey stick and wood from Pier 21. Visit our growing 125 Guitar photo album HERE.

Saturday evening, a private Civic Reception welcomed the Lieut Governor of Nova Scotia, The Honourary Mayann Francis, Rear Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and many key volunteers and supporters. This was followed by a “Festival of Praise” Concert with a capacity crowd at The Full Gospel Church in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia.

An unforgettable evening of music was provided. Participants included the combined brass bands of Halifax Citadel/Fairview Citadel, (Peter van der Horden/Keith Haggett) vocalists Wendy Birt and Norm Longuard, the Spryfield Girls’ Chorale led by Wendy Birt, xylophone soloist Joe Bovie from the navy’s Stadacona Band. The evening was emceed by humourist Bill Carr, one of The Army’s biggest boosters in the region. This event was captured on camera by photographer Nicole Lapierre. Watch for an extraordinary photo album to be posted on-line soon.

The United Worship Service on Sunday witnessed the largest gathering of Salvationists since the Congress of 2002 with over 400 gathered at historic Pier 21 where the Army reconnected with its roots to the past as one of the key organizations that welcomed New Canadians to their home on the shores of Halifax. More than 1 million immigrants arrived in Canada in this building between the 1920s and 1971 and nearly 500,000 soldiers departed for the Second World War from here. One of the highlights of the Worship Service was the enrollment of 10 Junior Soldiers and 11 Senior Soldiers. Help us celebrate the occasion by visiting the photo album HERE.

The Territorial Leaders will be visiting the Maritime Division again in September when 125th Anniversary Celebrations will continue in Charlottetown, PE.

NOW: Visit us on FaceBook Search for Salvation Army Maritimes

Happy Birthday!
-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

The Salvation Army is celebrating 125 years in the Maritimes this year.

We’re planning a special celebration in 2010. Its centerpiece will be a six-string guitar crafted specifically for this occasion by renowned luthier George Rizsanyi.

James Taylor, Keith Richards, Sting and Peter Gabriel are among the performers who play unique, handcrafted Rizsanyi guitars. In addition, George built the iconic Six String Nation guitar from 63 pieces of Canadian history, including a piece of decking from the Bluenose II, a piece of Wayne Gretzky’s hockey stick and wood from Pier 21.

Now, George is turning his attention to finishing a beautiful guitar as a symbol of The Salvation Army’s history of giving hope in The Maritimes for 125 years.

Here’s where you can help. Do you know of an artifact of symbolic importance from the Salvation Army’s history in the Maritimes? Perhaps a piece of wood or brass – virtually any material that represents an exceptional part of Salvation Army history can be incorporated as a decorative element in this landmark instrument.

We want to hear from you. Please e-mail or phone Wendy Birt at Salvation Army Maritime Divisional Headquarters in Halifax with your suggestion by March 19th:

wendy_birt@can.salvationarmy.org
902-455-1201 X227

The Salvation Army is grateful and touched by this gesture and generous gift. Music is a large part of The Army’s history in the Maritimes and we can’t think of a better fit to mark 125 years of community service, rooted in hope.

CLICK HERE FOR A TOUR GEORGE’S SHOP.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

Halifax, December 9, 2009

Rain, snow or shine, The Santa Shuffle was held Saturday, December 5th in 35 cities across Canada for The Salvation Army in an ongoing partnership with The Running Room. Halifax, Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton all hosted events again this year.

The run in Halifax has grown so much that the 2009 event was relocated to The Port of Halifax…where over 600 runners, shufflers, pets and strollers turned out in their wildest Christmas gear… and in the Christmas spirit.

Across The Maritimes nearly 900 people participated raising about $50,000 for The Salvation Army. Across Canada, some 10,000 runners raised over $400,000. Thank you!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE OUR ON-LINE PHOTO ALBUM.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

Halifax, November 1, 2009

The Maritime Salvation Army was one of the chosen recipients of special grant funding provided by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. In response to the challenges created by the current economic downturn, the Foundation is providing additional support to more than 120 programs offered through registered Canadian charities.

The Weston Family owns George Weston Limited which today includes not only the family’s original baking company but also Loblaw Companies Limited.

The Salvation Army is encouraged by this practical demonstration of support. Programs at Salvation Army Centres in Summerside, Sussex and Spryfield will greatly benefit from this recent injection of resources.

The Foundation established this special one-time grant program to assist charitable organizations who provide the necessities of life to families struggling with basic human needs: food, clothing, shelter.

“Our family has had a close relationship with The Salvation Army and its colleagues for over 40 years. We are delighted to be able to support those in the Spryfield community”, said W. Galen Weston, President of the Foundation.

Mr. Weston was in Halifax touring the chain of Superstores and making personal contact with The Salvation Army to acknowledge their work within the community. A cheque presentation was made at the Lower Sackville Superstore in Lower Sackville.

“These funds are a much needed support to the new initiatives we have launched in Spryfield,” says Major Larry Martin, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “Diverse needs are being presented and we need to be equipped to respond to the growing demands. Gifts such as this will enable The Salvation Army to continue to meet human need and be a transforming influence in our community.”

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army – Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

Halifax Mooseheads forward Gabriel Desjardins announced today his personal intention to raise funds for the Salvation Army this season. The 17 year old second year forward from Montreal has decided to donate $21 to The Salvation Army for every point he records this season. Desjardins wears the number 21 jersey for The Mooseheads.

“I spoke with Mooseheads management in the off-season and told them I wanted to help out in the local community. The Salvation Army is a great fit. They help so many families and kids,” stated Desjardins. “Hopefully I can have a good year, raise some money for a great cause, and help our team win some games.”

“The Mooseheads have been wonderful supporters of The Salvation Army over the years. However, this tremendous gesture by an exceptional role model not only raises money, it raises the profile of The Army’s work during the important winter-relief season,” said Diane van Der Horden, Public Relations & Development, Salvation Army, Maritime Division.

Desjardins has 2 assist through 2 games so far this season, adding up to $42 in contributions to The Salvation Army so far.
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For more information, contact:
Ron Zima
Fund Development & Public Relations
Cell: 902-456-2550
Ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

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 the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 113 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.

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