Toronto, May 15 – A massive earthquake that struck an extensive area in China’s Sichuan Province three days ago has shattered an estimated four million homes and
the death toll increases as tens of thousands of people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The Salvation Army is on the scene continuing to provide emergency relief to those who have lost loved ones and homes. These devastated survivors not only need food, tents and clothing, but emotional and spiritual support to adapt to these sudden and tragic changes.
At present The Salvation Army is recruiting their social workers to be volunteer counsellors to comfort the victims who are in deep sorrow.
Another Salvation Army relief team will leave Kunming, China, tomorrow, May 15. They plan to reach Mao Xian, Sichuan Province by this Friday morning. Mao Xian is one of the worst-hit areas in the northeast of Wenchuan, the epicenter of the tremor.
Gordon Lewis (Salvation Army International Emergency Services) says: “Our reports suggest the Chinese military are doing as well as they possibly can to rescue survivors and clear the worst-affected sites. The assessment carried out by our colleagues from Hong Kong will give a good idea as to what needs to be done next.”
Financial donation in support of The Salvation Army’s relief effort in China can be made at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or visit us online at www.SalvationArmy.ca
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 115 countries around the world. The
Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often
tending to the basic necessities of life, provides 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.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found at
www.SalvationArmy.ca
For further information: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations
Director, The Salvation Army, (416) 845-8231,
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org