On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, the W. Garfield Weston Foundation presented a donation of $1.5 million to The Salvation Army Homestead in Toronto, a residential recovery program for women who are struggling with substance abuse issues, for urgently needed building renovations.

The donation from the Foundation will provide much needed infrastructure renovations in the heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and the installation of an elevator will enable Homestead to support women with mobility restrictions.

“We greatly appreciate the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation,” says Major Elizabeth Price, Executive Director, Homestead. “The renovations will make our residential space cleaner, safer and brighter and will enable us to serve a broader population of women by offering new services as we give women new hope for recovery.”

The donation was made in honour of the late Miriam Burnett, who devoted 30 years of hard work as Chairman of the Foundation. Says Charles Burnett III, son of Miriam Burnett, “Over her lifetime, my mother dedicated herself to extending kindness and understanding to those in need.”

ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD

The Salvation Army Homestead, located in downtown Toronto and in Scarborough, is a residential, day and community-based program for women 18 and older who are dealing with substance abuse issues.
Treatment options are: a ten-week residential program that houses 18 clients at a time in downtown Toronto; a ten-week day treatment program at the downtown site; a ten- week day treatment program located in the heart of Scarborough.

Salvation Army programs are holistic and abstinence-based. The treatment model includes relapse prevention, life skills and twelve-step classes, group and individual counselling. Trained staff support women on their journey to recovery and self empowerment, in an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and safety.

The Homestead also offers community-based programs for women who may not be participating in residential or day programs. They include relapse prevention, anger management and after care. It also offers a support and information groups for friends and families of its clients.

The Homestead was founded in 1955 in Toronto and was located in another building for a few years. In 1961, the present location at 78 Admiral Road, became available and has been helping women at this location since.

OTTAWA, March 5, 2010 – The proposed changes to the Disbursement Quota announced yesterday in the 2010 federal budget are widely supported by The Salvation Army. The removal of the quota will provide The Salvation Army; one of Canada’s largest charities, with increased flexibility in meeting the needs of Canadians during a time when more and more people are turning to charities for help.

“We are very pleased with this announcement” said Colonel Floyd Tidd, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army. “The proposed changes will allow us to better respond to the needs of the people we serve in 400 communities across Canada”.

The Salvation Army was also encouraged by the federal government’s plan to introduce a Prime Ministerial award for volunteerism. The award; announced in Wednesday’s Speech from the Throne, will “recognize the enormous contribution volunteers make to Canada”. While the announcement of the new award was a small part of the speech, the initiative is hoped to have a considerable impact on encouraging volunteerism in the charitable and non-profit sector.

“Volunteers play a vital role in every corner of our organization from program delivery to fundraising to governance, and we certainly support the government’s initiative to recognize the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across Canada” said Colonel Tidd. “Canadians generously give 1.3 million volunteer hours to The Salvation Army every year”.

As the largest non-governmental direct social service provider in Canada, The Salvation Army depends on thousands of volunteers every year. The iconic Christmas Kettle campaign, which raised more than $18 million in 2009 in Canada, relies on tens of thousands of volunteer hours to staff the red kettles across Canada.

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, providing 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.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

-30-

For further information please contact:

Michael Maidment
Federal Government Relations
613-795-8898
michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org

Captain John P. Murray, APR
416-998-0117
John_Murray@can.salvationarmy.org

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

Toronto, ON February 16, 2010 – The Salvation Army has launched a new program to raise money for temporary housing in Haiti. Starting today, Canadians who visit one of the hundreds of participating Salvation Army Thrift Stores locations nationwide can donate funds at the cash-register that will be used to purchase tents for Salvation Army relief camps in Haiti.

“Right now, the focus of our work is shifting and the Tents for Haiti program is a unique way that Canadians can stay involved,” said Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda. “We continue to serve immediate needs, but we’re also beginning to address longer-term issues, like housing, especially in the lead-up to Haiti’s rainy season this spring.”

Right now, in Haiti there are more than 200,000 homes severely damaged or destroyed and 1.2 million people homeless or displaced by last month’s earthquake. The Salvation Army has signed an agreement to purchase tents, approved by the United Nations, for temporary housing. These tents will be used at relief camps in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and surrounding areas.

Many of the tents provide sufficient housing for a small family or group of four people. In Canada, each participating Salvation Army Thrift Store has set an individual goal to raise a minimum of $500 which is enough money to buy at least one tent.

“This program allows our Thrift Store shoppers to make a concrete contribution to the on-going crisis in Haiti,” said John Kershaw, Managing Director for The Salvation Army’s National Recycling Operations. “A gift can be designated either as a point of sale or cash donation, and the money will be used to purchase tents for Salvation Army relief camps.”

In January, the United Nations designated The Salvation Army as a “lead agency” for Haiti’s disaster relief work. Since then, the organization has set-up a number of operations providing basic care, including housing, clean water, medical services and basic hygiene products.

“Our work in Haiti has never stopped,” said Commissioner Francis. “On the same day that the earthquake struck, The Salvation Army began providing disaster relief services. We’ve worked in country for 60 years, and we’ll continue to serve Haiti through its rebuilding and redevelopment.” 

To date, The Salvation Army has $5.0 million in donations from the Canadian public, and more than $200,000 in donations were raised through the Army’s Text-to-Donate program.

General donations to The Salvation Army’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund can be made by visiting www.tents4haiti.ca, calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or by mailing your donation to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H 1P4.

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, providing 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.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

“Renovations, thanks to generous donors, are underway at The Toronto Salvation Army Homestead, which serves women in Ontario who struggle with substance abuse. As we bring the facility into the 21st century we will serve a broader population of women and offer new services as we give women new hope for recovery, Read the full story

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

OTTAWA, Jan. 27 /CNW/ - Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services staff were on hand for the second time this week to welcome Haitian evacuees and children bound for adoption by Canadian families upon their arrival at Ottawa International Airport. The flight touched down in Ottawa just before 2:00 p.m. carrying approximately 52 orphans and 71 evacuees.

Salvation Army staff and volunteers provided winter coats, snowsuits, scarves, winter boots, hats and mittens to evacuees, many of whom were wearing summer clothing when they arrived. The Salvation Army also served evacuees a hot meal and tea and coffee from its Ballard Vehicle, which contains a mobile kitchen and washroom facilities.

“The evacuees were very thankful to receive a hot meal and coffee after such an incredible ordeal,” said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “Its amazing the impact a cup of coffee and a warm winter coat can have on a family who has just been through one of the worst disasters in Haiti’s history.”

The Salvation Army has been working in Haiti since 1950 and its personnel who were affected by the earthquake are now working to assist others in need. The Salvation Army in Haiti operates three medical facilities, schools that serve at least 10,000 children, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities.

Please support The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Haiti. Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, or by texting HAITI to 45678 for most carriers in Canada, including Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Telus and Virgin Mobile to make $5 donation. You can also give by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

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. News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

For further information: or to arrange interviews, please contact: GTA: Captain John Murray, APR, The Salvation Army, (416) 998-0117, john_murray@can.salvationarmy.org; NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION: Michael Maidment, Area Director, Public Relations and Development, Federal Government Liaison Officer, The Salvation Army, Ontario East Division, P (613) 233-8428 ext. 226, C (613) 795-8898, E michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org; www.SalvationArmy.ca

Donations Shatter $16 million Campaign Goal as Needs Continue to Rise

Toronto, ON January 25, 2009 – With demand for Salvation Army services at an all-time high, Canadians dug deep this Christmas season, making more than $18 million in Christmas Kettle donations. The Salvation Army continues to count donations made to the 2009 National Christmas Campaign, but already the total has surpassed last year’s record-breaking $16 million.

“The results are a testament to the remarkable generosity of the Canadian public – we’re humbled that so many heeded the call of their neighbors in need,” said Commissioner William Francis, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda. “For the past year, we have been challenged to meet an increased demand for our service. Thanks to the support of the Canadian public, we are confident that we can meet this demand.”

Current estimates show that client demand has risen between 10-40 percent across Canada. In 2008, The Salvation Army saw demand for services increase at feeding centres, food banks and Christmas hamper drives.


“Given current economic conditions, we don’t expect client demand to drop-off anytime soon,” said Commissioner Francis. “We will continue to rely on direct public support to meet the basic services we provide to hundreds of thousands in need each year.”

The $18 million figure includes only money donated to The Salvation Army’s physical kettles. The Salvation Army is continuing to tally dollars raised through phone, direct mail and other sources during the Christmas Campaign season – which runs from late November through Christmas Eve.

In addition to Kettle donations raised on street corners and in shopping centres, The Salvation Army also saw an increase in online giving during November and December. In both months, more than $3.4 million was raised online, an 18 percent increase from 2008. Also, more donors went online to collect money for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign. There was a 43 percent increase in iKettle users, making this the fourth consecutive year that the site has grown in popularity.


Also, as part of the 2009 National Christmas Campaign, The Salvation Army relied on a number of partnerships and programs that contributed to the overall success of the campaign. For the first-time ever, The Salvation Army introduced an innovative text-to-give program with mobile technology company Zipstripe. The program allowed donors to text donations from most Canadian carriers. The Salvation Army also introduced a new ambient media and advertising campaign, created by GREY Canada. The campaign used online and street-level marketing strategies to communicate a message that poverty shouldn’t be a “revolving door” issue in Canada.

Other sustained partnerships grew stronger this year. A network of thousands of volunteer bell ringers gave of their time to stand alongside Kettles, collecting funds for the 2009 Christmas Campaign. Retail chains, including Walmart and Loblaws, made giving accessible and easy by welcoming Christmas Kettles into their stores. And, more than 10,000 runners turned out, nationwide, to raise money for the poor and homeless at the 19th Annual Santa Shuffle Run.

The Salvation Army’s National Christmas Campaign helps the Army provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.5 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada’s most significant and recognizable annual charitable events.

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, providing 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.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org
www.SalvationArmy.ca

Toronto, ON - January 22, 2010 – The Salvation Army’s Canadian Assessment Team returned from Haiti in the early hours of Friday January 22nd. The three-man team, consisting of Brian Burditt, Director of World Missions, Major Rick Shirran, Territorial Disaster Services Director and Jeremy Watt, Web Producer/Photographer returned safely to Toronto via Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

While on the ground in Port-au-Prince, the team assisted with the relief effort and completed their initial assessment to prepare for long-term aid and redevelopment. The Salvation Army in Canada will also play a role in the establishment of several supply lines for regular shipments of food, water, medical supplies and other goods as needed.

“The Salvation Army continues to provide immediate aid and relief,” said Brian Burditt, Director of World Missions. “However, initial plans and assessments are underway to assist with the rebuilding and long-term development of this proud country.”

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and its personnel who were affected by the earthquake are now working to assist others in need. The Salvation Army in Haiti operates three medical facilities, schools that serve at least 10,000 children, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities.

Please support The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Haiti. Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, or by texting HAITI to 45678 for most carriers in Canada to make $5 donation. You can also give by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

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.

- 30 -

www.SalvationArmy.ca

For further information please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org

North Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax/Dartmouth, Tuesday December 22, 2009 – Walmart Canada is helping make Christmas a reality for Canadians coast-to-coast with a generous $100,000 donation to the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign. Read the full story