The W. Garfield Weston Foundation Partners with The Salvation Army to Improve
Services for Women Who Struggle with Substance Abuse

TORONTO, March 9 /CNW/ - Today at 3:30 pm, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation will present The Salvation Army Homestead (78 Admiral Rd, Toronto) a residential recovery program for women struggling with substance abuse, with a donation of $1.5 million for urgently needed building renovations.

The donation from the foundation will make a difference in the services The Salvation Army is able to offer their clients as they do the hard work of rebuilding their lives. The $1.5 million will provide much needed infrastructure renovations in the heating, plumbing and electrical systems, and the installation of an elevator which will enable the Homestead to support women with mobility restrictions.

"We greatly appreciate the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation. Because of their support, urgently needed renovations are underway at the Homestead which serves women in Ontario who struggle with substance abuse." Says Major Elizabeth Price, Executive Director, Homestead. "The renovations will make our residential space cleaner, safer and brighter and will enable us to serve a broader population of women by offering new services as we give women new hope for recovery."

"Over her lifetime, my mother dedicated herself to extending kindness and understanding to those in need. She would have been so pleased to know that through this donation made in her honour by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, she has helped The Salvation Army to provide shelter and treatment for women struggling with substance abuse. She followed my grandfather, Garfield Weston, and devoted 30 years of hard work as Chairman of the Foundation." says Charles Burnett III, son of Miriam Burnett.

We invite media to attend the donation presentation:

    
      -  Date:       Tuesday, March 9, 2010
      -  Time:       3:30 pm
      -  Location:   The Salvation Army Homestead
                     78 Admiral Rd., Toronto
    

About the Homestead

The Salvation Army Homestead is a residential program for women who are dealing with substance abuse issues. Treatment options are: a ten-week residential program that houses 10 women at a time in one of the most beautiful areas of downtown Toronto; a ten-week day treatment program at the downtown site; a ten-week day treatment program located in the heart of Scarborough. Salvation Army programs are holistic and abstinence-based. Trained staff support women on their journey to recovery and self empowerment in an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and safety. The Homestead was founded in 1955 in Toronto and since 1966 has been located at its present location of 78 Admiral Road.

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 119 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.

For further information: Neil W. Leduke, Director of Communications, Public Relations and Development, c) [phone]; Captain John P. Murray, APR, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development, c) [phone]