The sights and sounds of the season are all around us. The lights, the trees, candy canes and carols. And the familiar sound of a ringing bell, near the Salvation Army’s ubiquitous Christmas kettles. This season is of particular importance to many in the Christian community. But one need not be a person of Christian faith to observe the season. Indeed, it is difficult for non-Christians to escape it, given its pop-culture dominance and commercial importance. And its vital role in fundraising for good causes like the Salvation Army. Beyond what’s in those famous red kettles, the Salvation Army administers funds raised by our own Christmas Daddies programme to help those in need. The Salvation Army is a bit like Christmas itself – of Christian origin and spirit – it is in fact a Christian church – but one need not be Christian to benefit from its good work. The Salvation Army provides more direct social service assistance than any other non-governmental organization in Canada. Year round. Hundreds of millions of dollars last year, with only a small fraction going to fund its own congregational ministries. And the Salvation Army has been operating here in the Maritimes for more than a hundred and thirty years. Its long, honourable history and good work is something we can all celebrate in this season of giving.
