The Salvation Army Continues to Assist Syrian Refugees

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army believes it has an ethical and humanitarian responsibility to provide support to individuals and families fleeing their countries of origin. As European leaders seek to deal with what an EU (European Union) representative called the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War, The Salvation Army is responding internationally, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support.

While some activities and programs for refugees were already well established, in recent months The Salvation Army has stepped up its support and also started new activities in several countries. These are some examples of activities currently underway:

The Salvation Army in Switzerland is currently hosting 2,500 people arriving from war-torn regions. Other support includes the provision of food, healthcare, childcare, assistance with access to education language courses and support in finding job opportunities.

In Hungary, The Salvation Army is handing out clothes, shoes, hygiene articles, sleeping bags, blankets, water and food to refugees who have gathered at rail stations.

In several centres in Germany, The Salvation Army is working together with other organizations and local authorities to provide shelter and other support, including language lessons and clothing.

In Greece, The Salvation Army is working at the port of Piraeus in Athens to provide food and non-food items to refugees from Syria and north African countries arriving via the islands of Kos, Lesbos and others. Plans are under way to scale up this support and to provide additional support in Thessaloniki.

A Salvation Army centre in Rome, Italy, has hosted 21 asylum seekers since May this year, providing accommodation and food along with legal support in the process of gaining refugee status. As well, The Salvation Army in Canada has already committed funds to host an additional 50-60 refugees in Salerno.

As the plight of refugees in Europe worsens, The Salvation Army will continue to offer support to people at railway stations, refugee centres and at its hundreds of locations across the continent.

Donations to The Salvation Army's refugee relief efforts can be made at SalvationArmy.ca. As The Salvation Army is a registered charity in Canada, the Government of Canada will match every eligible dollar donated by individual Canadians through the Syria Emergency Relief Fund up to $100 million and until December 31, 2015.

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 every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 125 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.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

Image with caption: "Salvation Army team distributing clothing to refugees in Greece (CNW Group/The Salvation Army)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150916_C9796_PHOTO_EN_44216.jpg

Image with caption: "The Salvation Army's refugee response in Greece (CNW Group/The Salvation Army)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150916_C9796_PHOTO_EN_44217.jpg

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