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, [phone], [email protected]; NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION: Michael Maidment, The Salvation Army, [phone], [email protected]