For Immediate Release
News Release
Friday April 28, 2006 – The Salvation Army is set to launch its 87th National Red Shield Campaign during the month of May 2006.
Over the next four weeks, Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers will embark on a national awareness and fundraising campaign to support programs including treatment for men and women suffering from addiction, assistance for families in need, and services for people without a place to call home.
The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Fighting Hunger’. As The Salvation Army continues to serve over 1.5 million people every year, it becomes increasingly apparent that many in our society live perilously close to the poverty line. The number of food banks in Canada has tripled during the last 15 years, and The Salvation Army remains a key figure in the ongoing battle against hunger. In 2005, 560,000 adults and 265,000 children received material assistance from The Salvation Army while 1.3 million meals were served thru nationwide community feeding programs.
“The Salvation Army exists to meet human need,” says M. Christine MacMillan. “Food is a basic necessity of life and by simply providing a meal and a friendly face, we can give hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
The 2006 National Red Shield Campaign target for the month of May is $3 million. “With the help and support of Canadians, we can make a significant difference in the lives of real people, and make our communities a better place to live”, says Commissioner MacMillan.
The Salvation Army serves in 111 countries throughout the world. It began its work in Canada in 1882 as a Christian movement with an acute social conscience.
As the largest non-governmental provider of social services, The Salvation Army continues to provide professional services that are relevant to the diverse needs of vulnerable people and their communities.
- 30 -
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca
For further information please contact
Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burdit@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca