The Salvation Army Dispatches Toronto-Based Disaster Assessment Team to Haiti

TORONTO , Jan. 16 /CNW/ - A team of Salvation Army personnel left Toronto early today for Port-Au-Prince , Haiti . Brian Burditt , Director of World Missions, Major Rick Shirran, Territorial Disaster Services Director and Jeremy Watt , Web Producer\Photographer are expected to be on the ground in Haiti Sunday. The Toronto-based team will meet up with Salvation Army officials in Fort Lauderdale , Florida late Saturday for a direct flight to the devastated island. Once in country the team Canada members will work along side Salvation Army officials from the United Kingdom and the United States assessing the immediate and long-term needs. "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 Missions. "Due to the devastation the logistics of quickly providing water, food and first aid to victims will be the immediate priority."

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 has helped to solidify The Salvation Army as an important nongovernmental provider of emergency disaster relief," says Captain John 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 phone, on-line or by postal mail:

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

Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)

Visit www.SalvationArmy.ca

Mail to: The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda , 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto , Ontario M4H 1P4

For further information: or interview please contact: Captain John P. Murray, APR, Cell: [phone]