The Big Connection 2025: Making a difference locally

Three corps share how the Big Connection is having an impact in their communities.

Kirkcaldy

The corps has already shifted its approach to raising money through innovative ways. These have included collections at supermarkets, a cream tea and a fundraising concert. In June, George MacDonald ran a 10km race to raise more for the local Army’s work, including street-based youth work in Fife.

‘My race went absolutely excellent,’ George says. ‘I got under my time. I’ve raised money for The Salvation Army. The whole thing benefited me, it’ll benefit The Salvation Army and it’ll benefit the people The Salvation Army work with.’

Corps leader Captain Andrew Manley says: ‘The fact that we’re now encouraging the Big Connection to look at grassroots projects, things that are actually addressing identified need in the very local area, is a great way of connecting people.

Southampton Sholing

The corps has been running a café twice a month for the past 10 years. They recently held a special community café morning to raise funds for the nearby Booth Centre Lifehouse. Chaplain Major Glenda Holifield says: ‘Because of that connection, they felt it was important to be able to raise some money. That is helping the people at the corps and in the community who come into that café to see the link that we have together.’

‘We have a heart for God to reach out to these people,’ says corps member Stephen Shaw. ‘For us to be able to support a local provision like that is great.’

Strood

The corps opened its doors for a summer fete, including stalls, coconut shies and face painting. They also hosted a bag-a-bargain day.

The funds raised are going towards two gardening projects. The corps is creating a community allotment to grow fruit and veg. In front of the hall, half of the garden has been turned into a memory garden, which provides a space for people to go and remember loved ones.

‘What we’ve tried to build here is a hub of hope,’ says corps leader Ruth Hardy. ‘The Big Connection is people’s opportunity to give something back to the local community, and that’s what’s so important. Keep it simple, and get your local community involved.’

How can you connect with your community? Why not add a fundraising element to activities you’re already doing? For help with setting up a JustGiving page, email territorial.appeals@salvationarmy.org.uk.