On Friday June 25, 2010, The Salvation Army’s Toronto Grace Health Centre Irwin Rooftop Garden was officially opened by Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

In October 2009 the Health Centre received its largest donation in the more than 100-year history of the hospital. A portion of the $1.9 million estate gift by the late John Irwin supported the renovation of a sixth floor rooftop into a beautiful garden space accessible to all. The garden allows patients, families, visitors and staff to enjoy green space in the middle of Toronto’s downtown core. From the fountain, breathtaking grounds, artwork and the patient’s own vegetable garden, it is a haven of peace to all who visit.

The Grace was home to both John and his wife Nora in the final years of their lives and they were deeply moved by the compassionate care provided to patients.

Photos of the Toronto Grace Health Centre Irwin Roof Garden opening – Friday, June 25, 2010

Commissioner William W. Francis – Territorial Commander, TSA Canda & Bermuda Officially opened and dedicated the new rooftop garden.

Commissioner Francis with Dr. Morley Lemon, Chair, TGHC Board of Trustees Mildred Jarvis, President, TGHC following ribbon cutting and official opening.

Prayer of Dedication

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to close the Foundation and centralize the funds and fundraising operations within the hospital’s existing administrative operations effective March 2, 2010.

“Accountability and integrity are the hallmarks of Salvation Army ministry” says, Captain John Murray, Foundation Chair. “We believe the best decision for those that we serve is to centralize fundraising operations within the existing hospital infrastructure thus ensuring all donations have maximum impact on patient services.”

“The Toronto Grace Health Centre is an extraordinary healthcare facility dedicated to serving the needs of our patients, their families, and our community” said Mildred Jarvis, TGHC President and CEO. “Our goal is to reduce administration costs and maximize all donations, and I support the decision of the Foundation Board of Trustees.”

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board is committed to the long-term operation and viability of the hospital, and is sensitive to the impact of the Foundation’s closing. Salvation Army officials will be working with Foundation staff members to ensure a smooth transition and suitable career opportunities moving forward.

Appreciation is expressed to donors who may continue to support the hospital by making donations directly to the Toronto Grace Health Centre, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5, marked to the attention of Ian Farmer, Director of Finance.

“The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre is an important and integral part of the healthcare network within the Toronto Central LHIN and The Salvation Army is pleased to share in this important announcement today with the Minister of Health and Long-Term care, the Honorable Deb Matthews.

The Salvation Army is pleased to confirm our commitment to own and operate The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre thanks to the commitment of Minister Matthews in announcing funding for the required infrastructure upgrades that are required for the safety and security of the patients, staff and volunteers of the Toronto Grace Health Centre.

The Governing Council of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Centre LHIN under the leadership of CEO, Matt Anderson for their commitment to the excellent healthcare programs and services that the Toronto Grace Hospital provides.

This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and our patients and their families as well as our staff and volunteers. The Salvation Army looks forward to working through the infrastructure upgrading process that has been announced today. We thank the community for their partnership and understanding as we work through the process in the months ahead.”

Presented by:
Commissioner William W. Francis
Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory
Toronto, Ontario

March 2, 2010

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to close the Foundation and centralize the funds and fundraising operations within the hospital’s existing administrative operations effective March 2, 2010.

“Accountability and integrity are the hallmarks of Salvation Army ministry” says, Captain John Murray, Foundation Chair. “We believe the best decision for those that we serve is to centralize fundraising operations within the existing hospital infrastructure thus ensuring all donations have maximum impact on patient services.”

“The Toronto Grace Health Centre is an extraordinary healthcare facility dedicated to serving the needs of our patients, their families, and our community” said Mildred Jarvis, TGHC President and CEO. “Our goal is to reduce administration costs and maximize all donations, and I support the decision of the Foundation Board of Trustees.”

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board is committed to the long-term operation and viability of the hospital, and is sensitive to the impact of the Foundation’s closing. Salvation Army officials will be working with Foundation staff members to ensure a smooth transition and suitable career opportunities moving forward.

Appreciation is expressed to donors who may continue to support the hospital by making donations directly to the Toronto Grace Health Centre, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5, marked to the attention of Ian Farmer, Director of Finance.

LINKS

Toronto Grace Health Centre Website

http://www.torontograce.org/index.aspx

100 Year’s of Celebration
http://www.torontograce.org/uploads/pubs/100_years_of_grace.pdf

In the News
http://www.torontograce.org/s08/01-02.aspx

Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Announcement | Markets … TORONTO, Feb. 3 /CNW/ – Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial.

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http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100204/toronto_gace_100204/20100204/?hub=TorontoNewHome

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/760392–toronto-grace-hospital-saved-on-voting-day

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/02/03/tor-grace-hospital.html

http://topnews.net.nz/content/21963-historic-toronto-grace-hospital-re-embraced-salvation-army

The Salvation Army Celebrates Funding for the Toronto Grace Health Centre

For Immediate Release Toronto – February 3, 2010 - The Salvation Army celebrates the announcement made today by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honorable Deb Matthews, recognizing the long-term partnership between The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre, the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Central LHIN. The Government’s commitment today will allow The Salvation Army to plan for the needed infrastructure upgrades required for the safety and security of the patients, staff and volunteers.

This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and our patients and their families as well as our staff and volunteers,” said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

He adds, “The Salvation Army is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Central LHIN for their commitment to the excellent health care programs and services that The Toronto Grace Health Centre provides.”

The Salvation Army is thankful to the support of the community, staff, volunteers, patients and their families during recent days. The collective effort of individual commitment to everything that is entrusted to us is what gives this health centre its renowned reputation.

The Toronto Grace Health Centre is a 119 bed palliative and complex continuing care facility that has been providing compassionate care in the heart of downtown Toronto for over 100 years. From its earliest days as a rescue home, to becoming a maternity hospital and now providing care to the most vulnerable, the facility continues to provide care where the need is greatest.

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 119 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.

For more information contact:
Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

Toronto – February 3, 2010, 2:00pm

“The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre is an important and integral part of the healthcare network within the Toronto Central LHIN and The Salvation Army is pleased to share in this important announcement today with the Minister of Health and Long-Term care, the Honorable Deb Matthews.

The Salvation Army is pleased to confirm our commitment to own and operate The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre thanks to the commitment of Minister Matthews in announcing funding for the required infrastructure upgrades that are required for the safety and security of the patients, staff and volunteers of the Toronto Grace Health Centre.

The Governing Council of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Centre LHIN under the leadership of CEO, Matt Anderson for their commitment to the excellent healthcare programs and services that the Toronto Grace Hospital provides.

This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and our patients and their families as well as our staff and volunteers. The Salvation Army looks forward to working through the infrastructure upgrading process that has been announced today. We thank the community for their partnership and understanding as we work through the process in the months ahead.”

Presented by:
Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory

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 119 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.

For more information contact:
Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

Information Bulletin #2 – January 30, 2010 – Toronto, Ontario

The Salvation Army is committed to the patients, families, employees and volunteers of the Toronto Grace Health Centre. In response to Friday’s request from the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, to grant an extension to the Toronto Grace Health Centre Board of Trustees (to develop a proposal for the potential purchase of the hospital and land) The Salvation Army has called a special meeting of the Governing Council to review and adjudicate the request.

The Board of Trustees, under the chairmanship of Dr. Morley Lemon, were advised of The Salvation Army’s decision regarding the future ownership and governance of the Toronto Grace Health Centre in late summer 2009 subsequently a public announcement was made on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the Toronto Grace Health Centre regarding The Salvation Army’s future plans in partnership with the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.

The Governing Council of The Salvation Army is the legal governing body of The Salvation Army in Canada. The Governing Council is scheduled to meet next week to consider this issue. The Salvation Army is committed to the best possible outcome for the patients their families and employees and the related healthcare services that the Toronto Grace Health Centre provides.

Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development Spokesperson for The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Cell: 416-998-0117 E-mail: John_Murray@can.salvationarmy.org

Information Bulletin #1 – January 27, 2010

By Colonel Donald J. Copple, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory

“It is my task to share with you the plans of The Salvation Army in relation to the Toronto Grace Health Centre. Over the past several years The Salvation Army has been withdrawing from involvement in hospital ownership and governance across Canada. Now after much consideration The Salvation Amy has made a decision to withdraw from the governance and management of The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre.

There has been considerable discussion between The Governing Council of The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Board of Trustees, the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in relation to this decision.

As we withdraw from governance and management our primary concern is for the continued safety and security of patients and their families. Our goal is to ensure quality care and services for these persons and to mitigate the impact of these changes on the skilled and caring staff of the Toronto Grace.

In order to explore the options possible for patients, families, staff and the community the Toronto Central LHIN plans to issue a request for proposals to identify those who will wish to assume governance and management of the programs and services currently offered at the Grace.

It is our understanding that by spring 2010 a plan for the way forward will be established.

During these days of change and transition care and service delivery will continue as usual. As further details are known they will be shared with you.”

One of Canada’s most innovative filmmakers, Allan King, hadn’t really thought about death and dying so he thought he should find out about it. Continue Reading

TORONTO, Sept. 11 /CNW/ – Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation received
its largest donation in the over 100 year history of The Salvation Army
Toronto Grace Health Centre site. The $1.9 million donation will have a
profound impact on the Toronto Grace Health Centre’s 119 bed facility and the
medically complex patients it serves. Click here for full article.

“Imagine the dirtiest, smelliest bum you’ve ever seen. Now multiply that by 100. That was me in 2002,” says Anthony Schofield, 33.

Anthony grew up in a home with a stepfather who has since lost his life to crack cocaine and alcohol abuse. Anthony had low self-esteem, and his erratic behaviour led his parents to have him placed in special education classes, group homes and a mental health centre.

Anthony started selling and using drugs at a young age. His drug problem escalated when he was accepted into the Ontario College of Art. His $8,900 student assistance loan and the downtown school’s proximity to drug dealers proved to be too tempting of a combination.

In 1994, Anthony dropped out of school and started living on the streets. He was one of the first “squeegee kids”, cleaning drivers’ windshields for a donation. “When we first started doing this, drivers were sympathetic to us and quite generous. I was making about $60 an hour.” Yet, this newfound source of plentiful cash only made it easier to feed his crack addiction.

Living under an overpass, Anthony’s white skin turned black with grime. Hardly eating, he dropped to 100 pounds. His shoulder length hair matted into dreadlocks. His face was swollen. His feet were so bruised and raw, he could barely walk. Not bathing for months, he constantly smelled like urine. “Even other bums were repulsed by me. It’s a miracle that I’m alive today,” says Anthony.

Anthony found his miracle in the support he received at The Salvation Army Gateway in downtown Toronto. For four years, he popped into the Gateway on occasion to warm up, get a bite to eat, clean up, or sleep in a bed. “At the beginning, I was belligerent and foul-mouthed with them, and abused the place by smoking crack in their bathroom. And they’d kick me out because they didn’t allow that behaviour. Yet, every time I came back, I received unconditional forgiveness and support.

“One day while in the Gateway, I was really feeling hatred for myself. I started punching myself in the face, and blackened my own eye. The staff at the Gateway held me down so I couldn’t hurt myself any more. They hugged me and prayed for me until I settled down.”

“Over the years, they have listened to me and I’ve received counseling from everyone there, on my addictions, on managing my life, on self-awareness. They helped me make the decision to get off drugs. On the day I was going into detox, one staff member dropped everything to drive me to the hospital. The Gateway helped me to get into a recovery home. I lived there one year as a recovering addict, and the next year, they hired me to manage that home, which I did for a year. With the grace of God, I’ve stayed off drugs ever since, and continue to go to Narcotics Anonymous meetings. This past fall, I also found a job as a front-line worker at a group home.”

“Gateway staff helped me to get a $1,000 scholarship, which is being held for me to help pay for tuition, when I’m ready to go back to school.”

“The people at the Gateway gave me the strength to turn my life around. They have become my friends, and they never stopped believing in me. They taught me what it was like to have a healthy relationship with someone, and how to love.”

I’ve done a lot to get myself back on my feet, but they’ve supported me every step of the way and still do – I run all the big changes in my life past them.

“The people at the Gateway never turned their back on me. I owe them my life.”

After almost taking a fatal plunge into Halifax Harbour, Rick MacDonald found help for his addiction at The Salvation Army. “From the edge of the bridge, I stared at the rocks below,” says Rick MacDonald. “Desperate to end my life, it was crucial I land on the boulders that supported the beams. That way, I was sure I wouldn’t survive.” Continue Reading

The Salvation Army began its work in Canada in 1882, just fifteen years after Confederation, and quickly began giving hope to those in need in this country and around the world.

The first open-air ‘meetings’, or worship services, were held in Toronto in January, 1882, and in London, Ontario, five months later. These were led by British immigrants who had known the Army in their homeland. Official Salvation Army operations began in July of that year when Major Thomas Moore arrived from the U.S. headquarters to take charge. By then there were eleven ‘corps’ or church congregations in Ontario, and a year later Canada was declared an independent ‘Territory’, responsible for its own governance within the worldwide organization.

From the beginning, the Army in Canada adopted founder William Booth’s philosophy that there is little point preaching ‘salvation’ to hungry people. And so the concept of ‘soup and salvation’ took hold, later to be developed into the comprehensive social service programs The Salvation Army operates today, many of them in partnership with government.

William Booth was a dissident Methodist minister, who took his Wesleyan sensibilities and Christ’s command to ‘feed my sheep’ to their logical conclusion. Starting as The Christian Mission in the East End of London, England, in 1865, it was re-named The Salvation Army in 1878, to reflect the increasingly military structure the movement had adopted.

Our People: The Story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army is a 78-minute documentary that gives an account of the Founders of The Salvation Army and their vision for a Christian movement that would reach out to the unloved and disadvantaged in society who felt excluded from church at that time.

When the Army came to Canada, there was much opposition to its methods from civic politicians and other entrenched interests in the early days, and Salvationists were often beaten and jailed for their activities in the streets of Canada’s cities and towns. Despite this, there was eventual acceptance of the movement as it demonstrated the social benefits that accrued from its activities. The men’s social work began in 1890 with a Prison Gate Home in Toronto. The same year a Children’s Shelter was opened. The first Maternity home was opened in Saint John, N.B. in 1898, precursor to the Salvation Army Grace Hospitals. In 1901 The Salvation Army recommended to the federal government that a prisoner probation system be adopted, leading to Canada’s first parole program. In 1908 salvage work (now called recycling) began in Toronto, leading to the well-known Thrift Stores. In 1911 the first Juvenile Detention Centre was established in Manitoba and turned over to the Army to operate. That same year a farm colony was established in Coombs, B.C.

The Salvation Army’s status in Canada was entrenched in law in 1909 when parliament passed an Act giving the organization legal standing, its governance to be conducted by The Governing Council of The Salvation Army in Canada, a situation which continues to this day. In its early years the Canadian Territory was led primarily by British and American officers (clergy), but by 1903 a consolidated Training College was opened in Toronto, allowing Canadian Salvationists to take more leadership responsibility.

In 1914 the Army shared in the national tragedy of the sinking of The Empress of Ireland in the St. Lawrence. On board were more than 120 Salvationists, bound for an international congress in London. Most of them, including the national commander and members of the Canadian Staff Band, were drowned. The Staff Band was not re-formed until 1969.

Canada’s involvement in the Great War of 1914-1918 saw the appointment of the first Salvation Officer as a chaplain in the Canadian armed forces, and the donation of five motor ambulances to forces serving overseas. At the end of the war, military hostels were opened in Winnipeg, London, Kingston, Toronto, and other cities, for returning soldiers.

All of this demonstrates the unique ability of The Salvation Army to respond to urgent needs – the Halifax explosion and Winnipeg flood being examples. It also reflects the ingenuity, efficient use of resources and a genius for improvisation, which the organization’s quasi-military structure fostered. It showed government that in most things the Army could get the job done with greater efficiency and at less cost than almost any other agency, and at the same time it forged a bond of trust between the people of Canada and the ‘Sally Ann’; a trust that continues to this day.

Innovation in social services continued even as the organization matured: the first seniors’ residence, or Eventide Home, was opened in Edmonton in 1926, and Grace Hospitals were opened in major cities across the country, as were homes for unmarried mothers.

The onset of World War II found the Army accompanying Canada’s armed forces overseas not only as chaplains but as the operators of Maple Leaf Clubs, providing rest and relaxation for the troops. By the end of the war there were clubs in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and India. They were mostly staffed by Salvation Army Auxiliaries, some of them as young as twenty years old. They provided a taste of home, with Canadian cooking, mail forwarding and social activities, including dances and short term accommodation. On the home front at the end of the war, Salvationists at Canadian ports welcomed the ‘war brides’ of Canadian servicemen.

Once more the development of The Salvation Army and the Canadian nation paralleled each other with the influx of ‘new Canadians’ in the post-war years. As the ethnic and cultural makeup of the country changed, so did the demographics of the Army. The assumption that the Army’s congregations would continue to be almost exclusively white and English-speaking gradually gave way to reflect the fact that Canada, particularly in its large cities, is one of the most cosmopolitan countries in the world. Canadian

Salvationists now formally worship in 11 languages and provide services in many others. In the post-war years further social service innovations included an anti-suicide bureau and victim witness assistance programs, the latter eventually being absorbed by the criminal justice system.

The Canadian Salvation Army has produced many outstanding leaders, not only for the domestic scene but also for the international movement. In 1975, Clarence Wiseman was elected General (international leader) of The Salvation Army, to be succeeded in 1977 by Arnold Brown. Bramwell Tillsley became General in 1993, but had to retire the following year owing to ill health and currently the Army’s delegate to the World Council of Churches is a Canadian.
The Salvation Army is now the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. It strives to give hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and 118 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.

Today in Canada The Salvation Army has 915 active officers (clergy), more than 23,000 soldiers (church members) and close to 48,000 adherents; that is, people who claim the Army as their church home, but who are not formal members. There are 311 corps (churches) and more than 330 social-service institutions of various kinds. As well as the many thousands of volunteers, almost 9,000 people are employed by The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Fifty-five Canadian officers and lay staff also serve overseas in countries from Papua New Guinea to South Africa.