Press Release
The Salvation Army is mobilizing resources to respond to the destructive earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti on Tuesday.
The country remains paralyzed and many are without power, clean water, and food after the quake all but destroyed the capital of Port-au-Prince.
The Salvation Army in Canada is sending an immediate $100,000 (U.S.) and a fundraising campaign has begun to support the humanitarian response.
“We are compelled to do whatever we can to help the victims of this terrible disaster,” said Commissioner William Francis, territorial commander of the Salvation Army for Canada and Bermuda.
“Our prayers are with the people of Haiti and we will continue to respond in the best manner possible,” he added.
The country’s infrastructure has been shattered and many of the Salvation Army’s buildings and facilities have seen significant damage but personnel on the ground responded immediately, offering as much assistance as possible, including some shelter, food, and clean water.
The organization’s administrative compound is being used as an emergency operations centre, with people sleeping in the parking lot.
The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is standing by to assist the public with health and welfare requests from individuals seeking information on family members in the affected area of Haiti.
To submit a request, visit www.satern.org and click on the “Health and Welfare Information Request” link.
The Salvation Army began its work in Haiti in 1950. Currently, services offered include three medical facilities, social service institutions, and dozens of schools serving more than 10,000 children.
Please support the Salvation Army’s relief effort in Haiti. Financial contributions can be made at the Salvation Army Citadel in Fort Frances (located at 316 Victoria Ave).
Donors should specify their gift to the “Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.”
As well, McDonald’s Restaurants in Fort Frances and International Falls will be donating proceeds from the sale of all of the hot cakes sold between 6 a.m.-2 p.m. this Sunday (Jan. 17) and next Sunday (Jan. 24) to the Salvation Army’s “Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.”
The Salvation Army may have kettles on site to collect any additional donations an individual may wish to make. All kettle donations made at these locations will be directed to the Haitian relief efforts.
For more information, contact Capts. Angel and Marlene Sandoval at the local Salvation Army at 274-3871 or via e-mail at salarmy@jam21.net
News releases, articles, and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca
