The Salvation Army Serving 2,000 Meals a Day to First Responders in Fort McMurray

EDMONTON, May 8, 2016 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army's community response vehicles are serving 2,000 meals a day to first responders engaged in the Fort McMurray fire efforts. In addition to distributing food, water and hygiene kits, we are also providing emotional and spiritual care – a listening ear – to those tasked with combating the fire and ensuring public safety.

The Salvation Army is also supporting evacuees who have relocated to other areas of the province. Our community and social service programs are distributing food, clothing and other items to help people with immediate and pressing needs. If people require assistance, The Salvation Army is available to help based on people's needs and our capacity to serve.   

Clothing
Our thrift stores in Alberta are giving out five sets of clothing to people from Fort McMurray. If people from Fort McMurray are in need of clothing, they can turn to The Salvation Army for help and need only provide their Red Cross registration number. We are also providing practical assistance such as food and hygiene kits.

We are currently requesting donations of clothing at our thrift stores in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary only. This is to replenish supplies given to Fort McMurray evacuees.

Donations
The public can also help with relief efforts through monetary donations. Donations can be made at SalvationArmy.ca/albertafires or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. A $10 donation can be made by texting FORTMAC to 45678. 

Mother's Day Service for Fort McMurray Evacuees
The Salvation Army is hosting a Mother's Day church service in Edmonton at 2 p.m. on Sunday for those displaced from Fort McMurray. We will have people available to offer emotional and spiritual support. Refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome. The address of the church is 9115 75 St NW. 

Practical, Emotional & Spiritual Care
The Salvation Army is committed to supporting the evacuees as best we can. Salvation Army personnel are available to provide practical assistance, such as food and clothing, or emotional and spiritual care.

The Salvation Army has operated community and social programs in Fort McMurray since 1979 and will continue to be an active presence in this city.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

John McAlister, National Director of Marketing and Communications, The Salvation Army, Cell: 416-452-5116, Email: [email protected]; Captain Pam Goodyear, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, Alberta and Northern Territories Division, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]