Posted on 18 May 2010
For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public, inviting Canadians to tour its facilities and see firsthand the social services it provides to more than 1.5 million people in need each year. The Salvation Army’s 2010 National Open House is the largest one-day event culminating a month-long fundraising and public awareness campaign that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.
“Every day, The Salvation Army works in more than 400 local communities to deliver primary care services to the poor and homeless,” said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada. “Today, we are inviting community members into our facilities, and we ask for their continued support.”
The national open house events will spotlight the issues of homelessness and poverty, which currently affect more than three million people across Canada. Nationwide, there are more than 21 open house events taking place in many provinces across Canada. Earlier this month, The Salvation Army released a report, entitled “Poverty shouldn’t be a life sentence.” The primary findings indicate that one out of every nine Canadian adults have experienced or come close to experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army also released data showing that demand for general social services has increased by 26 percent since 2008. To learn more, please contact one of the participating shelters in Ontario Great Lakes Division below.
London Centre of Hope
281 Wellington Street, London
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
CONTACT: Nancy Powers
519-661-1359
Oakville Lighthouse Shelter
750 Redwood Square, Oakville
CONTACT: Rachel Sawatzky
905-339-2918
St. Catharines Community Resource Centre/Booth Centre
184 Church Street, St. Catharines
CONTACT: Major Michael Hennessy
905-684-7813
Thunder Bay Community & Residential Services
545 Cumberland Street N, Thunder Bay
CONTACT: Major Merv Halvorsen
807-345-7319
Posted on 28 January 2010
Attention News Editors:
The Salvation Army Responds to Extreme Cold Alert in Toronto
TORONTO, Jan. 28 /CNW/ - In response to the Extreme Cold Weather Alert issued by the City of Toronto The Salvation Army has opened an additional 40 emergency shelter beds in the downtown core. The following facilities have opened extra beds: The Gateway – 10 extra beds, Evangeline Residence – 2 extra beds, Florence Booth House – 4 extra beds, Hope Shelter – 14 extra beds, Maxwell Meighen Centre – 10 extra beds.
“The extremely cold temperatures pose a significant risk to people on the streets” said Captain John Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “We will continue to monitor the situation in an effort to keep our community’s homeless safe from the extreme cold.”
The Salvation Army provides over 1,200 shelter beds for the homeless each night in the GTA with a combined total of 443,000 bed nights. At the time of writing, The Salvation Army Gateway Shelter has outreach teams in the community checking on the vulnerable to make sure they are safe from the extreme elements. The Salvation Army’s Street Youth Van will also be on its regular patrol this evening providing meals and a warm place for homeless youth.
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 further information: Captain John P. Murray, APR, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, c) (416) 998-0117; Neil W. Leduke, Director of Communications, c) (416) 578-7998
For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public, inviting Canadians to tour its facilities and see firsthand the social services it provides to more than 1.5 million people in need each year. The Salvation Army’s 2010 National Open House is the largest one-day event culminating a month-long fundraising and public awareness campaign that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.
