The Salvation Army Opens Doors to Public During National Red Shield Campaign

Largest Non-governmental Provider of Social Service in Canada Hosts Open House Events at Facilities Nationwide

TORONTO, May 19 /CNW/ - For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public, inviting Canadians to tour its facilities and see firsthand the social services it provides to more than 1.5 million people in need each year. The Salvation Army's 2010 National Open House is the largest one-day event culminating a month-long fundraising and public awareness campaign that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.

"Every day, The Salvation Army works in more than 400 local communities to deliver primary care services to the poor and homeless," said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada. "Today, we are inviting community members into our facilities, and we ask for their continued support."

The national open house events will spotlight the issues of homelessness and poverty, which currently affect more than three million people across Canada. Nationwide, there are more than 21 open house events taking place in many provinces across Canada. Earlier this month, The Salvation Army released a report, entitled "Poverty shouldn't be a life sentence." The primary findings indicate that one out of every nine Canadian adults have experienced or come close to experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army also released data showing that demand for general social services has increased by 26 percent since 2008.

"Homelessness and poverty are two problems growing in size," said Commander Francis. "The Salvation Army serves the poor largely from contributions made by local community members. We invite all those who want to help in the fight against poverty to visit our centres on May 19th."

Members of the public can visit Salvation Army community centres on May 19th. Visitors can participate in open house events and activities within their community by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca.

The National Red Shield Campaign runs through May 31st. This year's goal is to raise $2.75 million. Money raised during the campaign directly supports those living in poverty through Salvation Army social services like emergency shelter care, substance abuse counselling and employment training.

Financial contributions can be made by visiting www.SalvationArmy.ca, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by mailing donations to The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON M4H1P4 or by dropping off financial donations at the closet Salvation Army facility in your area.

Donors can also support the May Red Shield Campaign by texting HOME to 45678 from most wireless phones in Canada. A $5 donation will be added to your monthly wireless phone bill.

About The Red Shield Campaign:

The National Red Shield Campaign is an annual fundraising and public awareness campaign held annually throughout the month of May. The Salvation Army utilizes online, phone, direct mail and door-to-door appeals to solicit donations from generous Canadians. Giving to The Salvation Army offers an opportunity to invest in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community. 86 cents of every dollar raised by The Salvation Army goes directly to support those in need.

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 everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 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

National Open House Locations

    
    ALBERTA and Northern Territories
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    Centre of Hope
    420 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
    CONTACT: Captain Pam Goodyear
    403-874-9413

    The Salvation Army Addictions & Residential Centre
    9611 102 Avenue, Edmonton
    11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    CONTACT: Karen Diaper
    780-920-8818

    The Salvation Army
    125 Elmore Drive, Fort McMurray
    CONTACT: Joan Noble
    780-791-3234

    The Salvation Army Community Services
    164 Stratton Way SE, Medicine Hat
    CONTACT: Major James Hagglund
    403-529-6883

    The Salvation Army Community & Residential Services
    4925 45th Street, Yellowknife
    CONTACT: Major Dale Sobool
    867-920-4673

    BRITISH COLUMBIA:
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    Vancouver Harbour Light
    119 E Cordova Street, Vancouver
    CONTACT: Major Brian Venables
    778-227-7291

    Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre
    525 Johnson Street, Victoria
    CONTACT: Carol Barton
    250-858-0808

    MANITOBA:
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    Winnipeg Booth Centre
    180 Henry Avenue, Winnipeg
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    CONTACT: Major Al Hoeft
    204-946-9459
    CONTACT: Captain Tiffany Marshall
    204-781-9053

    ONTARIO:
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    Barrie Bayside Mission Centre
    16 Bayfield Street, Barrie
    11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    CONTACT: Major Roy Randell
    705-728-3737

    Kingston Harbour Light
    562 Princess Street, Kingston
    CONTACT: Major Gary Brown
    613-572-4325

    London Centre of Hope
    281 Wellington Street, London
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    CONTACT: Nancy Powers
    519-661-1359

    Oakville Lighthouse Shelter
    750 Redwood Square, Oakville
    CONTACT: Rachel Sawatzky
    905-339-2918

    Ottawa Booth Centre
    171 George Street, Ottawa
    CONTACT: Michael Maidment
    613-795-8898

    St. Catharines Community Resource Centre/Booth Centre
    184 Church Street, St. Catharines
    CONTACT: Major Michael Hennessy
    905-684-7813

    Toronto - The Gateway
    107 Jarvis Street, Toronto
    11:00 am - 2:00 pm
    CONTACT: Pamela Loveless
    416-545-7569
    CONTACT: Captain John Murray
    416-998-0117

    Thunder Bay Community & Residential Services
    545 Cumberland Street N, Thunder Bay
    CONTACT: Major Merv Halvorsen
    807-345-7319

    QUEBEC:
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    L'Abri d'espoir
    2000, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal
    11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    CONTACT: Amelia Desjacques
    514-554-5607

    Montreal Booth Centre
    880, rue Guy, Montréal
    11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    CONTACT: Michel Tasse
    514-349-2848

    Hôtellerie pour hommes & Maison Charlotte
    14, Côte du Palais, Québec City
    11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    CONTACT: Melissa Chasse
    418-806-9900

    SASKATCHEWAN:
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    Regina Waterston Centre
    1845 Osler St, Regina
    11:00 am presentations with guided tours to follow
    CONTACT: Pamela Snider
    306-551-2230

    Saskatoon Community Centre
    339 Avenue C S, Saskatoon
    CONTACT: Captain Rhonda Smith
    306-242-6833
    

For further information: Media Contact: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army, [phone], [email protected]