The Salvation Army Responds to Severe Flooding in the Philippines

TORONTO , Oct. 1 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army in Canada is responding to severe flooding in the Philippines by contributing an initial $50,000 USD to help cover the expenses of emergency work already undertaken. Many parts of the Philippines remain underwater after it was hit by Typhoon Ketsana on September 26th . The death toll from the storms rage is more than 240 and 270,000 people have been left stranded due to flooding.

The Salvation Army in the Philippines has been tireless in its attempts to assist in the emergency response. Teams are being mobilized to provide an initial response of supplying food, drinking water, blankets and medicines.

Lt-Colonel Ron Clinch , The Salvation Army's Chief Secretary of The Philippines Territory, says "Those affected are mainly the poorest of the poor who build shanties along riverways. They never stood a chance and face the future with no support at all. They are now homeless without any means of rebuilding or ongoing support. Thus the need for The Salvation Army to do all it can to help bring hope and relief to a desperate people."

Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), or by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca. Donors should specify their gift to the South Pacific and East Asia 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 118 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: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army, [phone], [email protected], www.SalvationArmy.ca