Wadih Fares elected Great Stocking Stuffer of 2009

Media release: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Support doubles in growth for unique Salvation Army Christmas campaign

The Salvation Army elected Halifax developer Wadih Fares “The Great Stocking Stuffer” of 2009, while doubling funds raised over last year’s campaign. Halifax car dealer Kathy Scarff came in second. Together, both raised more money than last year’s entire campaign.

12 community champions campaigned to see who could raise the most for The Salvation Army’s winter relief efforts in The Great Stocking Stuffer Election. In a combination of mass-media, grass-roots and on-line promotion, over $140,000 was raised across Atlantic Canada, shattering last year’s record of $68,000.

“This campaign isn’t just about raising money,” says Diane van der Horden, Public Relations Director for the Maritime Salvation Army. “Thanks to the support of The Chronicle Herald, The Halifax Mooseheads and others, we were able to promote our story to a large audience, many of whom may be unaware of the important role The Army plays in their communities.”

Other unique features of the campaign included several children and financial institutions which promoted the effort across Atlantic Canada. Seven year-old Nick Gentleman of Halifax and 11 year-old minor hockey player Ellen Oldfield of Dartmouth inspired the public to give thousands of additional dollars to The Army’s winter relief efforts.

“Creative marketing is essential in today’s fundraising world,” says van der Horden. “The public loves a good story and likes to be creatively involved.”

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org

For more details on the Salvation Army, visit:
Salvation Army, Maritimes Division