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The Salvation Army in Windsor Launches Iconic Christmas Kettle Campaign with $240,000 Goal

The Salvation Army is excited to kick off its 2024 Christmas Kettle Campaign in Windsor with a Proclamation and Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, November 15, at 10:00 AM at Charles Clark Square. With a goal of raising $240,000, the campaign will support local programs and services that help individuals and families facing food insecurity and homelessness. This event marks the official start of the campaign, with special guests including Mayor Drew Dilkens, city councillors, Salvation Army staff, and other community members joining to show their support.
“The Salvation Army has been dedicated to supporting Windsor families and individuals for 138 years, and every day, we see people making impossible choices between essentials like food, shelter, and medical care,” said Captain Nyree Bond, Community Ministries Officer, The Salvation Army Windsor. “Every donation to a Christmas kettle brings warmth, safety, and compassionate support to someone in need. Together, Windsor can make a lasting impact and ensure that no one is left behind this Christmas season.”
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle Campaign, running from November 15 to December 24 at various locations throughout the greater Windsor region, is the organization’s largest annual public fundraiser. Funds raised stay within the community, directly supporting essential services such as food security programs, emergency shelters, and empowerment initiatives year-round. Windsor residents are encouraged to support the campaign in a variety of ways:
• Donate at a local kettle
• Volunteer as a bell ringer to help inspire community giving
• Host a kettle at your local business to partner with us for the season
The campaign would not be possible without the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who generously donate their time each year. Individuals, families, and businesses interested in volunteering can call the kettle hotline at 519-971-5878 or visit www.WindsorChristmasKettles.ca.

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World Homeless Food Drive Collects 4500lbs for Food Bank

The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope is grateful for the tremendous support through innovative partnerships and donors who supported this year’s food drive to provide hope to vulnerable families.

 

As the cost-of-living increases, Jason Linton, executive director, The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope, says the need for the organization’s services will grow as the number of families requiring food assistance in Windsor continues to rise.

 

“We’re anticipating serving more families this year than last—a trend we’re seeing not just here in Windsor, but across the province,” said Jason Linton, executive director, The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope. “Nearly 30% of those we serve are children and teens aged 18 and younger, and on average, we assist more than 600 families per month. Families who have never needed help before are now turning to our services, making it more crucial than ever to be ready to provide critical supports.”

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The city-wide food drive on October 12 was in partnership with Windsor Police, LaSalle Police, Tailgate Takeout, Windsor Loblaws, Metro, and No Frills, bringing awareness to the important issue of homelessness in the community and support those in need. By holding this food drive, The Salvation Army’s goal was to replenish their food bank and to be prepared to meet a growing demand for those using their food program services.

 

This is the second year The Salvation Army has put on this food drive, with last year collecting over 2,000 lbs of food and over $3,000 in monetary donations to support its food bank. This year they shattered that record by collecting 4500 lbs. of food and $8000, thanks to the support of crucial community partners and donors.

 

The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope’s food bank has seen a decrease in donations, which is a stark reality what most charities are now struggling with.

 

“When we see less food on our shelves day-to-day, that’s a bleak reminder of the reality so many people are facing. It’s important for our community to know that The Salvation Army is here for them through transformative programming, and that no one should hesitate to reach out when they need it help,” says Linton.

 

The Salvation Army encourages everyone to assist all food banks in the greater Windsor region not only around the holidays, but throughout the year.

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Pathway of Hope Graduate- Syeda Mudusrah

Syeda Mudusrah’s journey through our Pathway of Hope program has been truly inspiring. Enrolled in the program, Syeda set clear goals around education, health, and employment.

In the realm of education, Syeda successfully enrolled in English classes at Mason. Her commitment to improving her language skills also led her to complete a computer literacy program at W5.

With the support of our program, Syeda navigated the job market and secured a part-time position. This opportunity allowed her to apply her growing English skills in a professional setting, further enhancing her career prospects.

Health was another critical area of focus for Syeda. Understanding the challenge of finding a family doctor in Windsor, especially one who could communicate effectively in her native language, we were determined to find a solution. We successfully connected Syeda with a female doctor who spoke her language, ensuring that language barriers did not hinder the quality of health care she received.

We are immensely proud of Syeda’s accomplishments. Her graduation from the Pathway of Hope program highlights the essential role of our initiative in empowering clients to achieve their goals and build a better future. Syeda’s success story reinforces the impact of our program and our commitment to supporting individuals as they grow and thrive.

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Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope Welcomes New Executive Director

Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope is excited to Welcome New Executive Director Jason Linton!
 
The Salvation Army Windsor Centre of Hope announced the appointment of Jason Linton as it’s new Executive Director, effective August 12th. He succeeds Major Danny Pinksen, who after 4 years has been stationed to his new appointment in British Columbia.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason as our new Executive Director”, said Community Council Chair Gerry Pocock. “His extensive leadership experience and deep passion for our mission makes him the ideal candidate to lead the organization into the future. “
 
Jason brings significant experience in leadership within the nonprofit and charitable sectors, and couples this with a Human Relations background that certainly will be useful in this role.
 
“ I truly value and am honored to be chosen as the new Executive Director and am so very excited to be part of such critical services in the Windsor community.” says Executive Director, Jason Linton. “ I am keenly aware of the impact this work has on our clients and children, but also understand many of the challenges it can bring. It is not easy work, but the resilience, resolve, and desire to help those in need makes working for the Army more than just a job.”
 
Jason holds a B.A. from the University of Guelph, a post graduate certificate in Human Resource Management from Mohawk College, and a certificate in Leadership Essentials from Booth University College.