Monday September 17, 2007 – $1 Million Needed to Support Vital International Development Programs. The Salvation Army today announced the launch of the first annual “Hope for the World” fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $1 million during the month of September. The campaign will raise money to support The Salvation Army in Canada’s international development programs, which currently provides hope and support to those in need through 140 programs in nine countries around the world. These programs include efforts to rebuild schools in earthquake-ravaged Pakistan, to provide primary healthcare for women in Indonesia, and HIV/ AIDS prevention in Africa where the disease has reached an epidemic level.
“Canadians have a long and proud history of reaching out to people in the most vulnerable parts of the world,” says Commissioner William Francis, leader of The Salvation Army in Canada. “We’re asking them to dig deeply to support this campaign so we can give hope and opportunity to thousands of people who are desperate for support. This campaign has the chance to create real change for real people around the world.”
The Hope for the World campaign grew out of a great need identified by The Salvation Army’s World Missions office which oversees the organization’s international development programs. Last year, the World Missions office fell $300,000 short of its budget. This shortfall underscored the need for an enhanced effort to ensure that these vital programs are fully funded throughout the year. The campaign will include a one-time, direct mail appeal as well as national radio advertising highlighting the plight of the world’s poor. Donations also will be accepted via 1-800-SAL-ARMY and www.SalvationArmy.ca.
The money raised will finance a host of programs that range from disaster services and education, to healthcare and development projects, such as micro-credit loans, goat-rearing programs, and clean water supplies.
In recent years, The Salvation Army World Missions office has responded to natural and man-made disasters in dozens of countries around the world – from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to the 2005 Pakistan earthquake as well as recent disasters including the floods in Bangladesh and the earthquake in Peru. Recovery work continues in these and other flashpoint areas in the world.
The Army also engages in day-to-day outreach in some of the poorest areas around the globe. Just as domestic Salvation Army programs are developed with the specific needs of the community in mind, the Army’s international work is generated at the local level in close partnership with those who utilize the services. The Army takes a holistic approach to community development and aims to meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs of marginalized individuals.
Donations can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or by mailing a cheque to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M4H 1P4. Please specify that your donation is for the “Hope for the World” Campaign.
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About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 111 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca
