The Salvation Army Provides Meals and Hope at Moss Park Armoury
By: June Li
As the New Year began, the Greater Toronto Area was hit with a cold front having Torontonians feeling temperatures as low as -30 C with wind chill. In response, the City of Toronto opened the Moss Park Armoury on Saturday, January 6th as a winter respite location for the next two weeks. In partnership with The City of Toronto, The Salvation Army has been providing hundreds of meals to those staying at the shelter. Whether individuals are dropping in or staying overnight, guests are given warm and nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.
Saturday, January 6th, 2018:
The Salvation Army responds to the call for assistance from the City of Toronto with the opening of the Moss Park Armoury. As doors opened at 7 p.m., The Salvation Army served the first of hundreds of hot meals to guests seeking temporary shelter services.
Sunday, January 7th, 2018:
Chief Secretary, Colonel Lee Graves, Colonel Debbie Graves and volunteers from the Harbourlight Corps arrive at the Armoury to serve breakfast to guests.
Monday, January 8th, 2018:
Toronto begins to experience milder temperatures and The Salvation Army continues to serve meals to those staying at the Moss Park Armoury.
Salvation Army officers are on scene to provide counselling services.
Tuesday, January 9th, 2018:
The Salvation Army opens up New Hope Shelter in Leslieville, providing additional shelter to vulnerable men experiencing homelessness in Toronto.
Team from Bell Media volunteers to serve dinner at the Armoury.
Wednesday, January 10th, 2018:
Commissioner Susan McMillan and Divisional Commander Lt- Colonel Sandra Rice help prepare and serve dinner.
Thursday, January 11th, 2018:
Heavy rainfall hits Toronto. With the capacity to serve 100 people, the Armoury reaches out to local partners for extra equipment to accommodate the overflow of individuals seeking shelter. A total of 113 individuals stayed overnight.
Friday, January 12th, 2018:
Toronto experiences dropping temperatures as cold front moves in, causing freezing rain and snow. As the City of Toronto issues an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, Salvation Army Outreach teams are on the streets providing assistance to those without shelter.
A family from out of town visits the Armoury for assistance. With three small children, a Salvation Army volunteer and City Staffer are keeping them safe and entertained.
Saturday, January 13th, 2018:
The Extreme Cold Weather Alert issued by the City of Toronto continues. Breakfast is served to the 107 people who called the Moss Park Armoury ‘home’.
As the first week of our efforts at the Moss Park Armoury concludes, we would like to say thank you to all our staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication to help serve those less fortunate in the community. We are grateful for those who support our work, such as Starbucks Canada who have been providing warm and delicious coffee to the Armoury every night as well as to our caterers who help us prepare fresh meals every day.
To follow The Salvation Army’s efforts at the Moss Park Armoury, please like us on our Facebook page here.
