Montreal, February 18th 2009 – On February 17th, a fire destroyed a part of The Salvation Army Lake l’Achigan’s camp. The fire broke out at around 1:30 p.m. in the kitchen of the camp, located in St-Hippolyte, in the Laurentians. Firemen responded quickly and were able to contain the fire.

The Salvation Army confirmed that no employee or member of the organization was at camp when the fire started. This summer camp is closed from September to May.

Built fifty years ago, the building had just been refurbished. The kitchen had been modernized to improve its efficiency. Each year, the camp accommodates about a hundred or so disadvantaged kids.

Jean-Curtis Plante, the Divisional Youth Secretary, said: “even if we are saddened by the situation, we will do everything we can to accommodate as many children as possible this summer”. An investigation is under way to find the cause of the fire.

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. Each year, The Salvation Army spends $10 million to operate its services in Quebec. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and in 117 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.