Friday May 16, 2008 – In response to the strongest earthquake to hit China in more than three decades, a Salvation Army Relief and Assessment Team from Hong Kong is in the Sichuan Province to offer immediate relief and evaluate what long-term assistance The Salvation Army can provide.

The relief and assessment team, already working in Cheungdu, brought food such as biscuits and rice as well as clean water supplies to many suffering from this terrible tragedy. At the same time, a comprehensive on-site assessment is ongoing.

Gordon Lewis, of The Salvation Army’s 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.”

The Salvation Army in China receives regular funding from the Army in Canada and early indications suggest that resources will be in great demand as relief continues, and re-construction and development begin.

After decades of intermittent work, The Salvation Army returned to China in 1988 in response to an earlier earthquake and in 1993, disaster relief and community development projects began in many parts of mainland China. In 1996, a Salvation Army Project Development Office serving southwestern China opened in Kunming. More recently, project offices were opened in Beijing and Xinghe County, Inner Mongolia. Three primary concerns for The Salvation Army in China remain:

• Poverty alleviation and development
• Emergency relief and rehabilitation
• Child sponsorship
Financial contributions in support of The Salvation Army’s relief effort in China can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or by visiting 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 please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca