One of Toronto’s working poor – homeless in his final moments – died last year at St. Michael’s Hospital, unnoticed by the greater world around him. Read the full story

Toronto, ON January 27, 2010 – The United Nations has designated The Salvation Army as the “lead agency” responsible for the care of 20,000 people made homeless by the earthquake in Haiti. Read the full story

The Salvation Army Serves up Hope to Winnipeg’s Inner City

Residents Over the Christmas Season

(Winnipeg, Manitoba – December 16, 2009) – While most Manitobans are cranking up their furnaces and boosting dead car batteries, there is another section of the population struggling just to survive in these bone-chilling temperatures.  With each drop in the mercury, the challenges faced by the residents of The Salvation Army Booth Centre, an inner city emergency and transitional shelter increase.  Booth Centre Ministries Executive Director, Major Al Hoeft says, “On any given night, we have the capacity to accommodate over 350 individuals. However, with the frigid weather we can expand our capacity to include an additional 50 mats.  It is our goal to ensure that we have sufficient capacity so that anyone choosing to seek refuge has an option.”

Not only is the Winnipeg Booth Centre providing emergency shelter every night of the year, but this Wednesday an army of volunteers will descend on the downtown centre to spread some Christmas cheer to residents of the centre, their friends and family, as well as other community residents.  A team of festive volunteers and dignitaries will be serving as many as 1,200 of these very special guests.  In preparation for this event, Salvation Army staff will be busy roasting four dozen turkeys, peeling 200 pounds of potatoes, steaming over 170 pounds of vegetables and serving up 250 pies for dessert as they host The Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Dinner.

Media are invited to meet the many volunteers as they host this year’s Salvation Army Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at Winnipeg’s Booth Centre (180 Henry Avenue).  Serving will continue until 8 p.m.

Halifax, December 9, 2009

Rain, snow or shine, The Santa Shuffle was held Saturday, December 5th in 35 cities across Canada for The Salvation Army in an ongoing partnership with The Running Room. Halifax, Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton all hosted events again this year.

The run in Halifax has grown so much that the 2009 event was relocated to The Port of Halifax…where over 600 runners, shufflers, pets and strollers turned out in their wildest Christmas gear… and in the Christmas spirit.

Across The Maritimes nearly 900 people participated raising about $50,000 for The Salvation Army. Across Canada, some 10,000 runners raised over $400,000. Thank you!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE OUR ON-LINE PHOTO ALBUM.

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army - Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

Christmas 2008 is etched in Regis Albert’s memory. Not because it was a time of peace, joy and celebration, but because he was homeless, unemployed, broke and desperately trying to maintain his sobriety. Read the full story

In support of The Salvation Army’s Prairie Division, the annual Breakfast and Luncheons will once again be taking place in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and I am pleased, in fact thrilled, to announce that Mr Tom Jackson will be this years guest speaker at all three events.

 Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 for his music and humanitarian work, Tom is well known to Canadians as an accomplished musician and actor dedicated to helping the less fortunate. Born on the One Arrow reserve in Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Tom left school at the age of 15 and spent seven years living on the back streets of Winnipeg. This experience built the foundation of his character - tenacity, leadership, determination to succeed and an altruistic capacity to care for others.

 In Saskatchewan……

Saskatoon Delta Bessborough Hotel - Friday Nov. 13, 2009 @ 12 noon.  Tickets are only $50ea or $350 for a table of 8 people.

Regina Hotel Saskatchewan - Monday Nov. 16, 2009 @ 12 noon.  Tickets are only $35ea or $250 for a table of 8 people.

For more information or to purchase tickets call Shelley 306-757-3111 or email Shelley_Baron@can.salvationarmy.org

In Manitoba……..

Winnipeg Convention Centre presented by Cropo Funeral Chapels - Wednesday Nov. 18, 2009 at 7:30am. Tickets are only $40ea or $300 for a table of 8.

For more information or to purchase tickets call Janet 204-975-1008 or email Janet_Taylor@can.salvationarmy.org

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AND GOING QUICKLY - CALL TODAY AND SUPPORT THESE EVENTS

At The Salvation Army Vancouver Harbour Light, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is provided a week after the holiday so guests, who try to cope without sufficient food, can enjoy more than one special meal. Read the full story

Michael is a street-wise survivor that society passes by and ignores. His home is an alleyway. He pleads for spare change to stay nourished. He is smart and alert. He is homeless, but not helpless. Read the full story

Halifax, November 1, 2009

The Maritime Salvation Army was one of the chosen recipients of special grant funding provided by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. In response to the challenges created by the current economic downturn, the Foundation is providing additional support to more than 120 programs offered through registered Canadian charities.

The Weston Family owns George Weston Limited which today includes not only the family’s original baking company but also Loblaw Companies Limited.

The Salvation Army is encouraged by this practical demonstration of support. Programs at Salvation Army Centres in Summerside, Sussex and Spryfield will greatly benefit from this recent injection of resources.

The Foundation established this special one-time grant program to assist charitable organizations who provide the necessities of life to families struggling with basic human needs: food, clothing, shelter.

“Our family has had a close relationship with The Salvation Army and its colleagues for over 40 years. We are delighted to be able to support those in the Spryfield community”, said W. Galen Weston, President of the Foundation.

Mr. Weston was in Halifax touring the chain of Superstores and making personal contact with The Salvation Army to acknowledge their work within the community. A cheque presentation was made at the Lower Sackville Superstore in Lower Sackville.

“These funds are a much needed support to the new initiatives we have launched in Spryfield,” says Major Larry Martin, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “Diverse needs are being presented and we need to be equipped to respond to the growing demands. Gifts such as this will enable The Salvation Army to continue to meet human need and be a transforming influence in our community.”

-Ron
Ron Zima ADpPR
Fund Development & Public Relations
The Salvation Army - Maritime Division
ron_zima@can.salvationarmy.org
DIRECT: 902-456-2550

After Brenda Carlson got her make-up done at The Salvation Army Caring Place, she moved over to the manicure table for a hand massage with exfoliating cream and a nail job. Read the full story