When temperatures plummet, many low-income families are forced to chose between buying groceries or paying for the energy bill. Since 1997 The Salvation Army-run Good Neighbours Energy Program in Nova Scotia has been helping individuals and families when they have nowhere else to turn. Read the full story

When Anna Dean’s parents, Malcolm and Diana Dean, immigrated to Canada from England in 1948, they knew no one.

When they got off the ship at Pier 21 in Halifax with their two toddlers, Anna’s parents were offered hot drinks by The Salvation Army and asked if they needed shelter, clothes or food.
The family didn’t need additional help, but the act of kindness made a lasting impression. For many years, Anna (who was born later), and her three siblings heard the story over and over again.

Anna is now director of operations for Olympic Transportation for TransLink, the Greater Vancouver public transportation system. During the Olympics it is expected that waits at SkyTrain stations could reach up to an hour.

When the question arose what could be done for the people in those lineups, Anna immediately thought of The Salvation Army.

Close to 2,000 Salvation Army volunteers will be placed at up to 20 SkyTrain stations, as well as ‘departure hubs’ (where people catch buses to Whistler, for instance) and events locations. Volunteers will offer hot coffee, hot chocolate and cold water, and engage people in conversation.

If a couple of hot drinks offered to Anna’s parents had such an impact, imagine what millions of drinks can do.

For more than 60 years, Jean Roberts, a native of West Yorkshire, England, wanted to personally say thank you to The Salvation Army in Halifax, N.S. for giving her a glimpse of hope during strict rationing days in post-war England. Read the full story

The province is hiking its oil heating rebate and making it accessible to more people, but those who heat with electricity won’t see a penny more. To read the complete article click here.

June 16, 2008 – Since Friday, raging forest fires within Halifax Regional Municipality have forced 4,000 people to be evacuated from close to 2,300 homes. A reception centre and shelter was immediately set up at Cole Harbour Place, a multi-purpose building, and The Salvation Army was called on to provide feeding at the shelter.

Over the past three days, meals were provided to evacuees with 200-300 meals per sitting. Seventy-two volunteers from local Salvation Army churches and social service centres prepared and served more than 1,500 meals and provided emotional and spiritual support to hundreds of residents. Emergency articles of clothing have also been provided.

Yesterday afternoon, with changing weather conditions, firefighting efforts were successful and residents were able to return home. Authorities are now confirming which homes are either severely damaged or destroyed.

Following the spring flooding, we assisted in the clean-up efforts in the St John River area. We participated along with several church groups and Samaritan’s Purse to provide aid to the local residents impacted by the flood. Our mission was to provide support and care of clean-up workers. The Salvation Army effort was lead by the Fredericton CFS Director, Rhonda MacDonald. A small crew of local volunteers assisted by Bill Bowers of Spryfield and Alex Brant of Sackville, prepared meals at our Church in Fredericton and served meals to work crews at sites along the river.

The CRU departed Halifax on May 20, 2008 with Alex and Bill, and food handling equipment. They reported to Fredericton and started operations on May 22. The daily routine was to provide two coffee breaks (morning and afternoon) and serve lunch at the work site. Operations were scaled back on May 26, and Fredericton continued with a smaller van and their own people (still on-going)

Stats May 22-26: Meals served 90, snacks/beverage served 257, referrals to CFS 1: Distance driven – Fredericton transit to and from 852 km. Total travel from Fredericton to St John River sites 564 km; Volunteers 2 from Halifax, 3 from Fredericton. I employee from Fredericton; 2 volunteers from Fredericton were trained to drive and operate the CRU.

Summary: An excellent deployment. This small team should be commended especially Rhonda, Bill and Alex. Rhonda provided private accommodation and took care of Bill and Alex. Food was provided from the Church groups with supplemental supplies from local CFS.

The government is partnering with the Salvation Army to support the Operation: Building Hope capital fundraising campaign.

Premier Rodney MacDonald and Community Services Minister Judy Streatch were at the Salvation Army’s Booth Centre in Halifax today, May 26, to donate $825,000 to the Maritime division’s first capital campaign.

“Government is pleased to be partnering once again with the Salvation Army to bring hope and relief to Nova Scotians,” said the premier. “We are providing $825,000 to the Salvation Army to help them concentrate on repairing lives rather than fixing roofs.”

The Salvation Army launched its Operation: Building Hope campaign in February, committing $1.7 million of its own toward the goal of $4.7 million. The money will address infrastructure needs at the Booth Centre on Gottingen Street, the Spryfield Family Resource Centre, and Scotian Glen, a summer camp for kids in Pictou County. Read full release…

June 6, 2008 – Halifax – The provincial government’s donation of $825,000 to the Salvation Army’s capital campaign will help keep the roof over the charity’s head – and food in the belly of Wayne Boomhower’s great-nephews. Read full article…

Source: Halifax News Net

On Thursday, May 8, 2008, Canada’s most famous hockey Dad was in Halifax, N.S. to launch the Salvation Army’s Red Shield campaign.

Walter Gretzky, who has made a life helping to raise money for numerous charities, spoke at a luncheon to raise funds for The Salvation Army and bring awareness to the wide range of services they provide.

Over a few days, Mr. Gretzky visited workers and clients at various Salvation Army locations. Walter’s gentle and caring nature mirrored that of The Salvation Army’s. Completely at ease, he had big smiles, hugs and autographs to go around for everyone.
Read the rest of the story at http://maritimesonline.blogspot.com

May 1st – Nova Scotia – The province is introducing a heating rebate for low-income Nova Scotians, but it won’t help Bonnie Heffler one bit.

Heffler, a single mom, lives in a heat-included Dartmouth townhouse. Of her $749 monthly social assistance, she spends $550 a month on housing — and her co-op is considering raising the rent to cope with rising oil costs. Read full article…

Source: Metro