The Salvation Army Haiti Response - Updated January 18, 2010

TORONTO , Jan. 18 /CNW/ - More than 700 Salvation Army workers permanently stationed in Haiti are being supported in their Earthquake disaster response efforts by Canadian, US and International Salvation Army teams. Since the 7.0 Earthquake struck the island, The Salvation Army has set up a staging area in south Florida and arranged logistics on the ground in Port au Prince . The supply line has already helped deliver skilled disaster relief workers, medical teams and supplies to those who have been affected.

"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 Mission. "Due to the devastation the logistics of quickly providing water, food and first aid to victims will be the immediate priority."

An initial Salvation Army assessment team arrived in Haiti on Friday, January 15 , and has worked with the Haitian government and the U.S. military to gain clearance for relief flights to the airport in Port au Prince . In addition, the team is working with the military and the United Nations for transportation, security and delivery of supplies. Package delivery company DHL has agreed to provide fuel for aircrafts to make return flights from Port au Prince .

On Sunday, January 17 , a 14-person Salvation Army medical team, including eight doctors, arrived in Port au Prince , with medical supplies. As soon as today, The Salvation Army is planning to send to Haiti several other skilled disaster response teams from across Canada and the United States .

The Salvation Army is working with corporate partners and vendors to send bulk quantities of pre-packaged meals, bottled water, tents, lanterns and other supplies, along with several 15,000-gallon water purification units and multiple mobile hospitals.

"The Canadian public has and continues to be very supportive of The Salvation Army's relief efforts in Haiti . To date more than $1.5 million has been donated and we thank everyone for their generosity," said Captain John P. Murray , Spokesperson for The Salvation Army.

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 have helped to solidify The Salvation Army as an important nongovernmental provider of emergency disaster relief," says Captain 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 texting, phone, online or by postal mail:

Donors should specify their gift to the ' Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund'

    
    -   Text: "HAITI' to 45678 - $5 donation per text.
        Donors will be asked to confirm their donation with a YES reply.
    -   Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
    -   Online: SalvationArmy.ca
    -   Post Mail: The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territorial
                   Headquarters 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4
    

For further information: Captain John P. Murray, APR, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, c) [phone]