For more than three decades, the Winter Warm Wave campaign—a meaningful partnership between The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Fairchild Radio—has brought warmth, comfort, and support to communities across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
This long‑standing tradition of generosity continues to make a significant difference in the lives of people throughout British Columbia, while extending the life cycle of donated winter clothing.
We are deeply grateful to Fairchild Radio and its dedicated listeners for supporting this amazing campaign year after year. Together they collected an impressive 355,822 lbs. of winter clothing for our Thrift Stores in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Behind the scenes, The Salvation Army Thrift Store’s Distribution and Recycling Centre (DRC) team in Langley played a pivotal role in the campaign. They coordinated donation pickups across the region and delivered them to our Thrift Stores throughout the Vancouver area, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for our partners at Fairchild Radio. Staff take great pride in this work.
“What we do every day leads to real improvements in the community through Salvation Army programs, and that’s a good feeling,” DRC Manager Rob Walsh explains.
Running from November 17, 2025, to January 2, 2026, Winter Warm Wave helped reduce textile waste, supported the circular economy, and provided local community members with dignified access to quality winter clothing donations. Fairchild Radio echoed this commitment to community care.
“I feel The Salvation Army truly wants to help people in need. I am amazed by their work,” said Fion Yung, Promotion Executive at Fairchild Radio. “I’m thankful to our listeners for participating. This campaign can help reduce waste and support those who need it most.”
Funds generated through the sale of donated items directly support essential Salvation Army programs and services across Vancouver and British Columbia. These include food banks, shelters for people experiencing homelessness, addiction rehabilitation programs, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, emergency disaster relief, and other vital supports for vulnerable individuals in BC.
Your contributions make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across Canada. Drop off your new and pre-loved clothing and household goods at a Salvation Army Thrift Store near you to continue helping communities thrive.
