Wednesday May 14, 2008 – The Salvation Army is very pleased by the announcement that The Government of Canada has committed to provide $10 million over five years under the Treatment Action Plan of the National Anti-Drug Strategy for treatment services for Vancouver’s Downtown.
The Salvation Army works extensively in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver and has seen first hand the harm caused by addictions to drugs and alcohol. “Every day we see the affects of addiction,” says Major Brian Venables, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development in British Columbia. “Because of the devastating affect addiction can have on families, we are extremely pleased with the federal government’s announcement.”
The Salvation Army is committed to serving vulnerable and marginalized people, providing services to men and women suffering from addiction, shelter for people without a home and practical assistance for families. In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, The Salvation Army provides addiction treatment for women in its Harbour Light Cordova Detox program and Homestead. The numbers of those seeking assistance continues to grow and The Salvation Army feels that this increased financial commitment will reduce wait times that can already be up to eight weeks. Across the country, 2,000 people successfully completed addiction and rehabilitation programs in 2007.
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 115 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provide shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.
When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
- 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_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca