J.D. Irving, Limited contributes to Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign

J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is helping the Salvation Army continue its mission serving Saint John’s most vulnerable through a donation of $125,000 to the Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Located just across the way from J.D. Irving, Limited’s head office, the Salvation Army Saint John Hope Community Church is busy daily helping its community, from providing food and other necessities to offering hope to those struggling with homelessness and addiction. It’s a steady hum of activity that, while often done quietly and behind the scenes, is deeply important work.

Throughout the holiday season, the Salvation Army is more front and centre with its Christmas Kettle Campaign, an annual fundraiser that provides the organization with the means to conduct its many community services all throughout the year.

In Saint John, donations to the Kettle Campaign help fund initiatives like the Hope Café, which provides a warm refuge to sit and have a bite to eat, an addiction recovery program and community meals.

Supporting the Salvation Army’s programs through the Kettle Campaign each year is an annual tradition for JDI.

“The Saint John community is very fortunate to have the fine folks at the Salvation Army doing the important work they do in our community each day,” says Jim Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited. “We’re happy to support our neighbours at the Salvation Army and we can see that they are making a difference for those that need it most.”

“JDI has been instrumental in making sure that we are able to meet our Kettle Campaign goals, which allows us to provide services throughout the year,” says Tim Keizer, Leadership & Legacy Giving Officer for the Salvation Army Atlantic Division. “I’m just so thankful that, even though there is a lot of need, we’re able to have people that are willing to help.”

Amid a growing need for the services the Salvation Army offers, Keizer says he encourages others to help by either volunteering with their local unit or making a donation through the organization’s website: donate.salvationarmy.ca.

“There’s never been a shortage of people that want to help,” Keizer says. “And that shows the character of the human spirit.”