Toronto, ON May 14, 2012 — In order to continue operations, the Bethesda Centre in London, Ontario, must raise $1.5 million dollars before May 31st. The Salvation Army has set up a website, www.SalvationArmy.ca/savebethesda, to collect donations to save the centre. When you donate to this secure site, you will receive a charitable donation receipt if the $1.5 million goal is met. If the goal is not reached by the deadline, The Salvation Army will offer to provide you with a refund for your donation. All donations are being held in trust until the May 31st deadline.

Another website currently being promoted to collect donations for this effort, www.SaveBethesda.org, is not affiliated with The Salvation Army. Donations to this site will not be eligible to receive an official charitable tax receipt from The Salvation Army. Furthermore, The Salvation Army will not be able to provide refunds to donors who donate via www.SaveBethesda.org if the goal is not met.

In order to ensure that your donation will go directly toward helping the centre, please donate to www.SalvationArmy.ca/savebethesda.

Donations can also be mailed to The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters, 371 King St., London, Ontario N6B 1S4 or the Bethesda Centre at 54 Riverview Ave., London, Ontario N6J 1A2.

We are extremely gratified by the outpouring of concern and support from many in the community who want to see the Bethesda Centre continue to operate. We also appreciate the efforts of Justin Bieber and his mother, Pattie Mallette, for drawing attention to this issue. We remain optimistic that people will come through in support of this effort.