Attention News/Assignment Editors:

Media Advisory – Royale Equestrian Centre Hosts Haiti Relief Fundraiser

“Heart for Haiti” to Raise Funds for The Salvation Army’s Haiti Relief Fund
OTTAWA, Feb. 4 /CNW/ – The Royale Equestrian Centre will host “HEART FOR HAITI” on Saturday, February 13th in an effort to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s Haiti Disaster Relief fund. The centre will offer pony rides, sleigh rides (in partnership with Smithvale Stables) and sliding in addition to a silent auction in an effort to raise funds for disaster relief in Haiti.

Thousands of Haitians have died and millions require disaster assistance” says Dawn Patterson, owner of the Royale Equestrian Centre. “This event strikes very close to home as my son-in-law is Haitian. We simply felt compelled to open our facility and our hearts to help earthquake victims in this way.”

“HEART FOR HAITI”
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2010, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Royale Equestrian Centre, 2191 Woodroffe Ave. (Woodroffe & Fallowfield)
WHAT: Pony rides, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, silent auction
WHY: To raise funds for the Salvation Army’s Haiti Disaster Relief Fund

Further event information is available at: www.royaleequestriancentre.com.

About Royale Equestrian Centre:
Located on 24 acres at Woodroffe and Fallowfield, Royale Equestrian Centre is one of the most beautiful greenbelt farms in our community. Located just 15 minutes drive from downtown Ottawa, Royale Equestrian Centre is the first stable in Ottawa offering direct access to public transit via the Fallowfield transit station. Opened in 2007, Royale Equestrian Centre offers horse owners and riders a safe, fun and educational place to ride where horses are treated as their own.

About The Salvation Army:
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.

When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

For further information:
Royale Equestrian Centre
Dawn Patterson (613) 951-4324
royaleequestriancentre@hotmail.com

The Salvation Army
Michael Maidment, Area Director, Public Relations and Development
(613) 795-8898 michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org

Attention News Editors:

Salvation Army Assists Haitian Evacuees Upon Arrival in Canada

OTTAWA, Jan. 24 /CNW/ – Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services staff were on hand early Sunday morning to assist Haitian evacuees upon their arrival at Ottawa International Airport. The Air Canada aircraft carrying approximately 24 orphans ranging in age from 11 months to 8 years old touched down just before 7:00 a.m. local time.

Salvation Army staff provided winter coats, snowsuits, scarves, hats and mittens to evacuees, many of whom were wearing summer clothing. Wind chill values approached -16 degrees as the approximately 100 people on the flight left the plane and entered the hanger.

We were thrilled to be able welcome evacuees and provide them with warm clothing” said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army who was on scene. “It’s another way in which The Salvation Army is assisting victims of this horrific tragedy.”

Salvation Army staff were able to access a Salvation Army Thrift Store late last night to stock up on warm clothing for evacuees and stuffed toys for the children.

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, The Salvation Army, (613) 795-8898, Michael_maidment@can.salvationarmy.org

In the second most dangerous, and one of the poorest areas in Port-au-Prince, survivors are flooding into Salvation Army facilities, also known as compounds, for food, water, shelter and medical aid. The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and its 700 personnel, who were affected by the earthquake, are now working to assist others in need. They are now being supported by international team members who have experience in working in disaster relief situations.

The Salvation Army is working in what is considered to be one of the most dangerous areas in Port-au-Prince. For security reasons the press have been warned by local authorities to keep clear. This has meant that The Salvation Army has had little coverage in the international media reports from Haiti.

The Salvation Army has had a ministry in St Martin for 60 years and the movement is well respected and appreciated. The compound includes administration buildings, churches, a school, children’s home, a feeding programme and a medical clinic. Many of the buildings were badly damaged and some rendered completely unusable by the earthquake. Nevertheless, the area is being well used to coordinate the emergency response, food distribution, medical services and general care and support of local people.

The Salvation Army clinic is running over its capacity due to the many people in need of medical attention and aftercare. The clinic is on the same compound as the distribution and feeding centre.

Lt-Colonel Lindsay Rowe, (Chief Secretary, Caribbean Territory) says:

“It is amazing how well things were organized in such a short time. Immediately after the earthquake the clinic began functioning as a triage station. A medical team from the USA was able to set up two surgical rooms for major injuries. There are eight doctors working at the clinic and the team treated more than 200 patients on Monday (18 January) and approximately 300 patients on Tuesday. Unfortunately they are running short on supplies.”

“Yet, in the midst of all the chaos and confusion of a disaster area, the clinic staff are rejoicing in the birth of three babies this week,” says Lt-Colonel Mike Caffull, The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services Coordinator from International Headquarters, London, who is on site assisting with the organization of The Salvation Army’s response.

“In a place where there has been so much death and pain,’ he says, “it is wonderful to see the evidence of new life.” 

A large sports ground immediately behind The Salvation Army compound is home to almost 12,000 people, who are gradually creating family spaces. It is very cramped and without essential services. This community is the main focus of the response coordinated by The Salvation Army in Port-au-Prince, although plans are being made for satellite operations in other towns and cities.

To date the team at the compound has distributed food for up to 18,000 people, organized drinking water to be available in the sports field, given out clothing and provided tents.

Toronto, ON January 20, 2010 – The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda continues to serve the victims in Haiti as a part of its disaster response plan. In cooperation with Salvation Army teams from the United States and the United Kingdom, 7,000 Haitians were given a five-day supply of food on Monday and hundreds more, including infants and orphans received medical care from Salvation Army doctors.

A Canadian team is now on the ground, assisting with relief efforts and participating in long-term planning. A supply line from south Florida to Port-au-Prince has been established to deliver aid and supplies, allowing for the delivery of hundreds of thousands of meals by next week.

A 14-person medical team continues to provide care to hundreds, suturing wounds and treating broken bones. At the Army’s orphanage, two doctors and a nurse were able to administer formula and oral electrolyte solution to dozens of orphans left with nothing following the earthquake.

“Canadians have generously donated $2 million to support The Salvation Army’s relief efforts and we are very grateful,” said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development. “However, the immediate need for ongoing support remains vital.”

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is standing by to assist the public with Health and Welfare requests from individuals seeking information on family members in the affected area of Haiti. To submit a request, please go to www.satern.org and click on the “Health and Welfare Information Request” link.

The Salvation Army began its work in Haiti in 1950. Currently, services offered include 3 medical facilities, social service institutions and dozens of schools serving more than 10,000 children.

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 please contact:

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

Salvation Army personnel from Canada are now on the ground in Haiti assisting with relief efforts and participating in long-term planning with Salvation Army disaster response workers and medical teams from the U.S. and the U.K.

When the quake hit, more than 700 officers/pastors and staff permanently stationed in Haiti responded immediately to the needs of the people. Recent reports state that:
• a mobile kitchen from the Dominican Republic is serving food and water at a medical site in Port-au-Prince;
• a supply line from south Florida to Port-au-Prince is delivering aid and supplies to disaster response teams and will send hundreds of thousands more meals by next week;
• a 14-person medical team, including 8 doctors, continue to administer medical aid;
• more than 6,000 people are sleeping and receiving aid each night in The Salvation Army compound in Port-au-Prince.
• And, on January 18 Salvation Army staff provided a five-day supply of food to more than 7,000 people in less than two hours;

At International Headquarters in London, and in various countries throughout the Caribbean, as well as in the U.S. and Canada, The Salvation Army is working with corporate partners and vendors to send bulk food, pre-packed meals, bottled water, tents, lanterns and other supplies along with several 15,000-gallon water purification units and multiple mobile hospitals.

To date, The Salvation Army in Canada has raised $2 million to support its ongoing efforts to serve the victims of Haiti. More than $150,000 has been raised through the Text-to-Donate program.

Please support The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Haiti. Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by donating online, www.SalvationArmy.ca, 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.

Text-to-Donate
Canadians can make a $5 donation to The Salvation Army’s efforts in Haiti by texting the word HAITI to 45678 from any Rogers Wireless, Telus, Bell Mobility or Virgin Mobile phone. Donors will then receive a message asking them to confirm their donation with a YES reply.

Attention News Editors:

The Salvation Army Dispatches Toronto-Based Disaster Assessment Team to Haiti

TORONTO, Jan. 16 /CNW/ – A team of Salvation Army personnel left Toronto early today for Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. Brian Burditt, Director of World Missions, Major Rick Shirran, Territorial Disaster Services Director and Jeremy Watt, Web Producer\Photographer are expected to be on the ground in Haiti Sunday. The Toronto-based team will meet up with Salvation Army officials in Fort Lauderdale, Florida late Saturday for a direct flight to the devastated island. Once in country the team Canada members will work along side Salvation Army officials from the United Kingdom and the United States assessing the immediate and long-term needs.

“We are working with The Salvation Army World Services Organization, based in Washington, DC., to determine immediate and long-term relief opportunities,” says Brian Burditt, Director of World Missions. “Due to the devastation the logistics of quickly providing water, food and first aid to victims will be the immediate priority.”

As an international emergency response agency, The Salvation Army has a long history of service around the globe dating back to the Galveston, Hurricane of September 8, 1900. “Most recently The Salvation Army’s rapid response to the India\Pakistan earthquake, South East Asia Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina and its long-term commitment to rebuilding in those regions has helped to solidify The Salvation Army as an important nongovernmental provider of emergency disaster relief,” says Captain John Murray. “The Salvation Army has operated schools, medical clinics, children’s homes, feeding programs and a hospital in Haiti since 1950 and the people of Haiti can count on the continued support of The Salvation Army today and in the months and years ahead.”

Donations can be made via phone, on-line or by postal mail:
Donors should specify their gift to the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund
Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Visit www.SalvationArmy.ca
Mail to: The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4
For further information or interview please contact: Captain John P. Murray, APR, Cell: (416) 998-0117

Army school, clinic damaged; staff on-site organizing emergency response

The Salvation Army is mobilizing resources and personnel to assist with the international relief effort in Haiti following a severe earthquake Tuesday that damaged much of the country’s infrastructure, housing and commercial buildings.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Haiti since 1950 and currently operates schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities spread across two major facilities in Port au Prince, close to the epicenter of the earthquake and at other locations in the country.

One of the facilities, or compounds as it is referred to, includes a home for more than 50 children; a school with a daily attendance of 1,500 children; a medical clinic caring for 150-200 people daily; and a church that on any typical Sunday welcomes nearly 1,000 people. The facility is less than 10 minutes from the National Palace and is in an area known as St. Martin that’s home to predominantly poor living in the nation’s capital.

According to reports from Salvation Army staff in Port au Prince, no one in the compound was injured during the earthquake, but the children’s home, the clinic and church suffered major damage. Several smaller buildings, including residences, have collapsed completely. People were sleeping in the parking lot overnight, while severe aftershocks continued to affect the country.
The second compound that houses Salvation Army administrative offices is being used as an emergency operations center; damage was slight to this compound, according to Salvation Army reports from Haiti.

The Salvation Army hospital in Fond-des-Negres (75 miles west of Port-au-Prince) reports some minor damage, but no injuries.

The Salvation Army’s World Services Office, based in Alexandria, VA, has committed $50,000 to the relief effort and the organization is prepared to commit more financial resources, as well as food, water and other emergency supplies, to assist in the recovery.

The organization is preparing to send more than 44,000 lbs of pre-packaged emergency rations to the country, along with emergency disaster teams. The Salvation Army is working with other agencies to identify appropriate transportation for the food. As with all such relief efforts, The Salvation Army will be a part of the initial emergency response while assessing longer term needs of the residents.