The 8.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Chile comes on the heels of Haiti’s massive earthquake. Many Salvation Army centres report fewer phone calls are being received to support Chile’s tragedy, versus Haiti’s.

Chile isn’t getting the same attention as Haiti. In the first 48 hours after both earthquakes 2,596 news articles were written about Haiti, while 400 news articles were written about Chile.

The two countries are united in having deadly disasters. Will monetary donations increase as people begin to see more coverage of Chile and the human element involved?

Each is worthy of our compassion and help. Yet, in a time of economic stress are donors fatigued?

The Salvation Army in Canada is sending US$58,000 to assist Chile with ongoing relief efforts following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated much of the country. Read the full story

Following Chile’s devastating earthquake on February 27, the immediate need is still food, water and medicine.

The Salvation Army has been working in Chile since 1909 and its emergency services were immediately mobilized to provide support and comfort. Salvation Army personnel are fine, but a lot of Salvation Army properties were damaged.

Concepcion is one of the hardest hit areas and tents have been set up to house 60 displaced families on the patio of a nearby Salvation Army church. The Salvation Army is also carrying out relief work in the city of Os Valparaiso, on the west coast of Chile.

The Salvation Army will provide financial assistance and ongoing relief in the medium and long term.

Donations in support of the relief effort in Chile can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or at you nearest Salvation Army facility. Please specify that your donation is for the Chile Earthquake Relief Fund.

Following Chile’s devastating earthquake on February 27, the immediate need is still food, water and medicine. Read the full story

The most recent American Idol, Kris Allen, recently visited Haiti and toured The Salvation Army camp in Port-au-Prince. With the intent of bringing awareness to relief efforts in Haiti, Kris visited with staff, played with children and, through an interpreter, spoke with camp residents.

During his visit, Kris helped with the Army’s registration process issuing new ration cards as part of a new UPS Trackpad program. The Salvation Army is replacing handwritten paper index cards with high-tech barcode technology to ensure that families receive food, shelter and medical supplies in a highly efficient manner. UPS donated the technology and adapted it for disaster relief supply distribution.

FAST FACTS

As of February 23, 2010:

• 2,900 tents have been delivered
• more than 19,000 individual patients have received medical care
• 500,000 gallons of water has been supplied
• 16 cargo flights have delivered supplies
• more than 3 million meals have been delivered

The Salvation Army continues to find new ways to raise money for the relief effort in Haiti. On Saturday kettles will be set up in seven liquor board stores around Regina to collect donations.

Captain Steven Cameron with The Salvation Army says this time they are focusing on providing a specific type of aid. “We’re really focusing on housing, so tents for the short term and then working on long-term sustainable housing after that.” Cameron adds that housing will become a major issue once the rainy season hits Haiti.

After Saturday people can still donate by dropping by The Salvation Army’s office at 2240 13th Ave. anytime during the week.

Source: News Talk 980

Following a devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile during the early hours of Saturday morning (27 February) Salvation Army emergency services were immediately mobilized Read the full story

Trenton Salvationist prepare to participate in the Military Appreciation Rally

Trenton ON – When Mayor John Williams and the members of Council for the City of Quinte West announced a Military Appreciation Rally would be held on February 20, Captains Steve and Tina Manuel of The Salvation Army in Trenton were quick to come on board. “The military is a proud and valued part of our community,” says Captain Manuel. “The Salvation Army will do whatever we can to support these men and women, and their families.”

Rally participants appreciate a warm drink from the Oshawa EDS team

Salvationists from Trenton Corps joined with the estimated 1500 military supporters participating in the rally. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services vehicle from Oshawa was also deployed to the rally site. Approximately 500 cups hot chocolate and coffee were served to appreciative participants and military personnel on the cool and breezy February morning.

The warm response to the Army’s presence and support was evident from both the military and civilians. “This was a wonderful way for The Salvation Army to join with the local community and show our appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice made by our military,” concludes Captain Manuel.

Captain Steve Manuel meets with CFB Trenton Base Commander Colonel David Cochrane. Quinte West Mayor, John Williams (far right) looks on.

The Salvation Army continues to work closely with multiple corporate partners and non-governmental organizations to provide food, water, medicine, shelter and other immediate aid to thousands of disaster survivors in Port-au-Prince and elsewhere.

To date The Salvation Army has provided 2.8 million meals, 500,000 gallons of water, 2,900 tents and 1,500 personal hygiene kits. In addition, more than 18,000 people have received needed care from Salvation Army medical teams.

On Friday, February 26, Canada will send 500, 12 sq.m, tents as Haiti’s rainy season is just around the corner. In addition four Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel from Canada have been deployed and are on the ground in Haiti. Lt-Colonels Gilbert and Marilynn St-Onge (Retired) are providing emotional and spiritual care; Jeff Noel, EDS director for Toronto is providing logistics support; and John McEwan, EDS director for British Columbia is overseeing operations, and finance and administration.

The Salvation Army is committed to determining the best methods for helping rebuild a country that lost so much. The Army is putting plans in place to strengthen Haiti for the long-term.

Long-term plans include:
-Rebuilding homes to make them more earthquake resistant
-Repairing and installing water filtration systems in impacted areas
-Rebuilding schools, hospitals and other buildings that were severely damaged
-Implementing community development projects focusing on income generation for families, childhood nutrition and HIV-AIDS awareness

Every night, for more than 10 years, The Salvation Army’s mobile feeding unit has been a beacon of hope to the hungry and needy in Hamilton’s downtown core. Read the full story