Salvation Army Marches in Toronto Santa Claus Parade

The Canadian Staff Band (Bandmaster Kevin Hayward) formed the nucleus of a 75-piece band as the Salvation Army participated in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade for the first time in over 30 years. Musicians from the Ontario Central, Ontario East, and Great Lakes divisions rounded out the musical unit. Half a million spectators lined the parade route, and many expressed their enjoyment of the Army's participation and playing of traditional Christmas carols. The parade is televised, and an estimated audience of five million watched, some in countries as far as New Zealand, Norway and Ireland.

The total Salvation Army contingent in the parade numbered 94, with the large band, banners, a color guard, timbrelists, and territorial and divisional leaders. These included the Territorial Commander, Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, Colonel Eleanor Shepherd, and Divisional Commander for Ontario Central, Major Malcolm Robinson. The Territorial Chief Secretary, Colonel Glen Shepherd, who is a member of the Agincourt Salvation Army Band, did his part as he marched with his Eb bass.