The W. Garfield Weston Foundation Partners with The Salvation Army to Improve Services for Women Who Struggle with Substance Abuse

For Immediate Release
Toronto – March 9, 2010 – Today at 3:30 pm, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation will present The Salvation Army Homestead (78 Admiral Rd, Toronto) a residential recovery program for women struggling with substance abuse, with a donation of $1.5 million for urgently needed building renovations.

The donation from the foundation will make a difference in the services The Salvation Army is able to offer their clients as they do the hard work of rebuilding their lives. The $1.5 million will provide much needed infrastructure renovations in the heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and the installation of an elevator which will enable the Homestead to support women with mobility restrictions.

“We greatly appreciate the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. Because of their support, urgently needed renovations are underway at the Homestead which serves women in Ontario who struggle with substance abuse.” 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.”

“Over her lifetime, my mother dedicated herself to extending kindness and understanding to those in need. She would have been so pleased to know that through this donation made in her honour by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, she has helped The Salvation Army to provide shelter and treatment for women struggling with substance abuse. She followed my grandfather, Garfield Weston, and devoted 30 years of hard work as Chairman of the Foundation.” says Charles Burnett III, son of Miriam Burnett.

We invite media to attend the donation presentation:
Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: The Salvation Army Homestead
78 Admiral Rd., Toronto

About the Homestead

The Salvation Army Homestead is a residential program for women who are dealing with substance abuse issues. Treatment options are: a ten-week residential program that houses 10 women at a time in one of the most beautiful areas of 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. Trained staff support women on their journey to recovery and self empowerment in an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and safety. The Homestead was founded in 1955 in Toronto and since 1966 has been located at its present location of 78 Admiral Road.

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 more information contact:
Neil W. Leduke
Director of Communications
Public Relations and Development
c) 416-578-7998

Captain John P. Murray, APR
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to close the Foundation and centralize the funds and fundraising operations within the hospital’s existing administrative operations effective March 2, 2010.

“Accountability and integrity are the hallmarks of Salvation Army ministry” says, Captain John Murray, Foundation Chair. “We believe the best decision for those that we serve is to centralize fundraising operations within the existing hospital infrastructure thus ensuring all donations have maximum impact on patient services.”

“The Toronto Grace Health Centre is an extraordinary healthcare facility dedicated to serving the needs of our patients, their families, and our community” said Mildred Jarvis, TGHC President and CEO. “Our goal is to reduce administration costs and maximize all donations, and I support the decision of the Foundation Board of Trustees.”

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board is committed to the long-term operation and viability of the hospital, and is sensitive to the impact of the Foundation’s closing. Salvation Army officials will be working with Foundation staff members to ensure a smooth transition and suitable career opportunities moving forward.

Appreciation is expressed to donors who may continue to support the hospital by making donations directly to the Toronto Grace Health Centre, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5, marked to the attention of Ian Farmer, Director of Finance.

For Immediate Release

Toronto – February 28, 2010 – Following a devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile during the early hours of Saturday, February 27, 2010, Salvation Army emergency services were immediately mobilized to provide support and comfort.

Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army in South America West, Lieut-Colonel F. Bradford Bailey says that the immediate response is to provide food, water, first aid kits, emergency packets, blankets, candles and other urgently required supplies. A recently arrived mobile canteen (a donation from the USA Southern Territory) is one of the key relief vehicles.

The earthquake epicenter was approximately 90 miles (150 kilometers) north west of the city of Concepción in Southern Chile. Lieut-Colonel Bailey says that this is approximately 350 miles (600 kilometers) from the capital of Santiago, ‘nevertheless, the quake was of a 7.0 magnitude in the Santiago metropolitan region’. He adds that people have flocked to the streets ‘as numerous aftershocks continue to pummel’ the country, severely affecting older buildings in the more historical areas of the larger cities.

Water, gas and electricity have been cut off in affected areas and will stay disconnected until relevant emergency crews can assess the damage and prioritize immediate needs.
The colonel says that in these early hours after the quake it has been extremely difficult to communicate with Salvation Army centres throughout the country as all phone lines (mobile and land) have been disrupted.

‘However, preliminary reports are reassuring in terms of Salvation Army personnel.’

Donations in support of the relief effort in Chile can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or at you nearest Salvation Army facility. Please specify that your donation is for the Chile Earthquake Relief Fund.

The Salvation Army has had a presence in Chile since 1909 and operates schools, day-care centers, senior housing, children’s and foster youth homes, churches and provides a myriad of other services to the people of Chile.

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 more information contact:
Captain John P. Murray, APR
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

“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,” says Executive Director, Major Elizabeth Price.

“The need for renovations is extreme,” says Major Price. “The heating, plumbing and electrical systems will be updated. Every part of the building requires access to stairs, which prevents us from servicing women’s with mobility issues. A small elevator will be installed. Program spaces will be more accessible, larger and brighter. The building will be environmentally friendly. We will be able to partner with more agencies. Residential space will be cleaner, safer, and brighter and will maintain a home-like environment.

“It is impossible to overstate the value of people who make donations to the Homestead. Small or large, they all make a huge difference to the services we are able to offer our clients as they do the hard work of rebuilding their lives.”

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 one of the most beautiful areas of 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. Group and individual counselling are important components of Homestead programs. 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 Salvation Army Homestead is unique in three aspects,” says Staff Physician, Dr. Vera Ingrid Tarman. “The 10-week program is longer than most, it is exclusively for women and it offers a spiritual perspective. I believe addiction is a physical, mental, psychiatric and spiritual disease.”

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.

Donations to buy United Nations approved tents for earthquake survivors

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 more than 1000 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

Attention News Editors:

Second Flight of Evacuees and Children for Adoption Arrives in Canada

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

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. Survivors have erected tents at both a soccer stadium and another plaza adjacent to The Salvation Army’s main compound at Delmas 2 in Port-au-Prince.

As the lead agency, The Salvation Army assumes the responsibility of housing people in family units that meet UN approved standards. The Army will also provide clean water, medical supplies, basic health supplies, safe hygiene and sanitation. The Army, in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme will also handle the safe distribution of food to those within its care.

The Salvation Army continues to provide relief and supplies to the thousands within its care. More than 350,000 meals, 18,000 gallons of water, hundreds of tents, baby items and medical supplies have been distributed. In addition, a 10,000 gallon water purification system is operational, more than 1,200 people have received medical aid and The Salvation Army has re-opened a school for children aged 3 to 6 in a temporary site at the organization’s compound.

“The Salvation Army compound is now home to thousands of families,” said Brian Burditt, Director of World Missions. “It will be our responsibility to look after these families and do our utmost to support them as relief continues and as the rebuilding begins.”

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 -

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

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

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

March 2, 2010

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board of Trustees has decided to close the Foundation and centralize the funds and fundraising operations within the hospital’s existing administrative operations effective March 2, 2010.

“Accountability and integrity are the hallmarks of Salvation Army ministry” says, Captain John Murray, Foundation Chair. “We believe the best decision for those that we serve is to centralize fundraising operations within the existing hospital infrastructure thus ensuring all donations have maximum impact on patient services.”

“The Toronto Grace Health Centre is an extraordinary healthcare facility dedicated to serving the needs of our patients, their families, and our community” said Mildred Jarvis, TGHC President and CEO. “Our goal is to reduce administration costs and maximize all donations, and I support the decision of the Foundation Board of Trustees.”

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation Board is committed to the long-term operation and viability of the hospital, and is sensitive to the impact of the Foundation’s closing. Salvation Army officials will be working with Foundation staff members to ensure a smooth transition and suitable career opportunities moving forward.

Appreciation is expressed to donors who may continue to support the hospital by making donations directly to the Toronto Grace Health Centre, 650 Church Street, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G5, marked to the attention of Ian Farmer, Director of Finance.

LINKS

Toronto Grace Health Centre Website
http://www.torontograce.org/index.aspx

100 Year’s of Celebration
http://www.torontograce.org/uploads/pubs/100_years_of_grace.pdf

In the News
http://www.torontograce.org/s08/01-02.aspx

Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Announcement | Markets … TORONTO, Feb. 3 /CNW/ - Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial.

THE SALVATION ARMY - ONTARIO CENTRAL DIVISION | Salvation Army… Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Announcement. TORONTO , Feb. 3 /CNW/ - Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation…

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InsideToronto Article: Toronto Grace saved by partnership with … “It is a pleasure for the Salvation Army to confirm our commitment to own and operate the Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre,” said Commissioner …

The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Announcement TORONTO, Feb. 3 /CNW/ - “The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre is an important and integral part of the healthcare network within the Toronto …

thestar.com mobile: article The Salvation Army has saved Toronto Grace hospital. … mind and is no longer pulling out of owning and operating the historic Toronto Grace Health Centre. …

Twitter / Behavioral Health: Salvation Army Toronto Gra … Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Announcement: TORONTO, Feb. 3 /CNW/ - Commissioner William W. Francis… http://twurl.nl/1b83sy

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100204/toronto_gace_100204/20100204/?hub=TorontoNewHome

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/760392–toronto-grace-hospital-saved-on-voting-day

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/02/03/tor-grace-hospital.html

http://topnews.net.nz/content/21963-historic-toronto-grace-hospital-re-embraced-salvation-army

The Salvation Army Celebrates Funding for the Toronto Grace Health Centre

For Immediate Release Toronto – February 3, 2010 - The Salvation Army celebrates the announcement made today by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honorable Deb Matthews, recognizing the long-term partnership between The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre, the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Central LHIN. The Government’s commitment today will allow The Salvation Army to plan for the needed infrastructure upgrades required for the safety and security of the patients, staff and volunteers.

This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and our patients and their families as well as our staff and volunteers,” said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

He adds, “The Salvation Army is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Central LHIN for their commitment to the excellent health care programs and services that The Toronto Grace Health Centre provides.”

The Salvation Army is thankful to the support of the community, staff, volunteers, patients and their families during recent days. The collective effort of individual commitment to everything that is entrusted to us is what gives this health centre its renowned reputation.

The Toronto Grace Health Centre is a 119 bed palliative and complex continuing care facility that has been providing compassionate care in the heart of downtown Toronto for over 100 years. From its earliest days as a rescue home, to becoming a maternity hospital and now providing care to the most vulnerable, the facility continues to provide care where the need is greatest.

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 more information contact:
Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

Toronto – February 3, 2010, 2:00pm

“The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre is an important and integral part of the healthcare network within the Toronto Central LHIN and The Salvation Army is pleased to share in this important announcement today with the Minister of Health and Long-Term care, the Honorable Deb Matthews.

The Salvation Army is pleased to confirm our commitment to own and operate The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre thanks to the commitment of Minister Matthews in announcing funding for the required infrastructure upgrades that are required for the safety and security of the patients, staff and volunteers of the Toronto Grace Health Centre.

The Governing Council of The Salvation Army is grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Centre LHIN under the leadership of CEO, Matt Anderson for their commitment to the excellent healthcare programs and services that the Toronto Grace Hospital provides.

This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and our patients and their families as well as our staff and volunteers. The Salvation Army looks forward to working through the infrastructure upgrading process that has been announced today. We thank the community for their partnership and understanding as we work through the process in the months ahead.”

Presented by:
Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory

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 more information contact:
Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
c) 416-998-0117

Information Bulletin #2 - January 30, 2010 – Toronto, Ontario

The Salvation Army is committed to the patients, families, employees and volunteers of the Toronto Grace Health Centre. In response to Friday’s request from the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, to grant an extension to the Toronto Grace Health Centre Board of Trustees (to develop a proposal for the potential purchase of the hospital and land) The Salvation Army has called a special meeting of the Governing Council to review and adjudicate the request.

The Board of Trustees, under the chairmanship of Dr. Morley Lemon, were advised of The Salvation Army’s decision regarding the future ownership and governance of the Toronto Grace Health Centre in late summer 2009 subsequently a public announcement was made on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the Toronto Grace Health Centre regarding The Salvation Army’s future plans in partnership with the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network.

The Governing Council of The Salvation Army is the legal governing body of The Salvation Army in Canada. The Governing Council is scheduled to meet next week to consider this issue. The Salvation Army is committed to the best possible outcome for the patients their families and employees and the related healthcare services that the Toronto Grace Health Centre provides.

Captain John P. Murray, APR Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development Spokesperson for The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Cell: 416-998-0117 E-mail: John_Murray@can.salvationarmy.org

Information Bulletin #1 - January 27, 2010

By Colonel Donald J. Copple, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory

“It is my task to share with you the plans of The Salvation Army in relation to the Toronto Grace Health Centre. Over the past several years The Salvation Army has been withdrawing from involvement in hospital ownership and governance across Canada. Now after much consideration The Salvation Amy has made a decision to withdraw from the governance and management of The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre.

There has been considerable discussion between The Governing Council of The Salvation Army, The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre Board of Trustees, the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in relation to this decision.

As we withdraw from governance and management our primary concern is for the continued safety and security of patients and their families. Our goal is to ensure quality care and services for these persons and to mitigate the impact of these changes on the skilled and caring staff of the Toronto Grace.

In order to explore the options possible for patients, families, staff and the community the Toronto Central LHIN plans to issue a request for proposals to identify those who will wish to assume governance and management of the programs and services currently offered at the Grace.

It is our understanding that by spring 2010 a plan for the way forward will be established.

During these days of change and transition care and service delivery will continue as usual. As further details are known they will be shared with you.”

Various local and international members of The Salvation Army have been documenting the relief effort since the earthquake hit.  Click here to see the collection on Flickr.