Elsewhere in the world

Elsewhere in the world

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LATVIA—In late January, The Salvation Army Riga I Corps enrolled seven new soldiers. They received uniforms courtesy of the FSAOF—Former Salvation Army Officers Fellowship—which solicited and received uniforms from Army corps and individuals in the United Kingdom and Sweden, for a total of 49 uniforms.

The Salvation Army served in Latvia from 1924-1939, and was re-established in 1990. In November 1994, the Sweden Territory became the Sweden and Latvia Territory.

Visit the FSAOF website—not an official Army website—at fsaof.blogspot.com.

UKRAINE—The Salvation Army in Ukraine has an up-to-date Facebook page with news and photos from the various corps in the division, including Kiev, Kirovograd, Simferopol, Yalta and Simferopol. Recently the division held two successful “we learn to sing gospel” weekends in Kiev and Simferopol, with participants from 7-75 years old; the weekends concluded with a concert.

The Ukraine Division is part of the Eastern Europe Territory. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine.

Check out The Salvation Army Ukraine’s Facebook page and become a fan!

ENGLAND—General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton visited the House of Commons in Westminster, London, to meet the Speaker of the House, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP. Lord Foster of Bishop Auckland—a lifelong Salvationist—facilitated the meeting. Bercow spoke highly of The Salvation Army, indicating his desire to assist the Army’s initiatives in any way possible. The General expressed appreciation for the strong links between the Speaker’s office and The Salvation Army. Among other events, the International Staff Band conducts a carol service annually in the Palace of Westminster, at which the Speaker of the House traditionally participates. Previous Speakers have also presided in the Speaker’s official apartments at formal receptions for members of The Salvation Army’s High Council.

AUSTRALIA—AdPartners, creators of the advertising campaign that launched The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal for 2009, won the Photon Group’s 2009 Creative Concept of the Year and helped raise awareness of the Army and the Red Shield Appeal. The award is given for outstanding and original creative work with a proven outcome.

The advertising campaign—entitled “Doors”—ran nationally from mid-April to the end of June 2009. It raised $98 million nationally, surpassing the goal of $72 million.

A national Newspoll study revealed that the campaign generated a 100 percent increase in awareness among the 18-34 age group for key services offered by The Salvation Army.

The “Doors” campaign included three 60-second TV commercials, radio, cinema, press and magazine ads; digital, outdoor and banner ads; and sell-in kits.

“AdPartners has taken our communication to a new level….The stories are edgy, based on real events and reflect the work we do every day at the front line.” said Major Philip Maxwell, PR secretary for The Salvation Army, Eastern Territory.

In February, the annual “Eye on Australia” stated that The Salvation Army is now considered the most trusted brand name in Australia.