“Everyone Needs an Army” COVID Exhibit Launched at International Headquarters

On January 12, a new exhibition was launched at Gallery 101 at International Headquarters entitled Everyone Needs an Army. Produced by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s communications team and Grey Canada, the exhibit features a 15-minute documentary film and corresponding display panels that showcase stories of Salvation Army community response and service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic across Canada and Bermuda.

The exhibition was opened by General Brian Peddle, who commended the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s pandemic response and highlighted The Salvation Army’s compassionate presence around the world. “As we declare this exhibit open, may it be something that encourages our hearts, helps us celebrate a difficult time in our history and gives us great hope for the future.”

His Excellency Ralph Goodale P.C., High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom, brought greetings. He praised the partnership between The Salvation Army and the government’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to deliver millions of dollars in aid to Canadians in need. “Sincere thanks to The Salvation Army for the work that you have done in Canada and around the world in that long global struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic… Your relief work to rescue Canadians, get them out of danger and provide that comfort and reassurance, is extremely impressive.”

Kimberley Durrant, director and UK representative, Government of Bermuda London Office, was also on hand to express her appreciation for the work of The Salvation Army in her home country.

Stories featured in the documentary included a Salvation Army partnership with clothing retailer Joe Fresh of Loblaw Companies Limited and Baffinland Iron Mines to deliver clothing to children in Canada’s extreme north; the development of a specialized care centre for seniors in Toronto by the Toronto Grace Health Centre; food delivery to isolated and vulnerable Bermudians; ministry to truckers in Newfoundland and Labrador; and portable showers and outreach for people experiencing homelessness in Victoria.

Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, Canada and Bermuda Territory, chaired the exhibit launch. He noted that The Salvation Army’s efforts throughout the pandemic were the largest nationally co-ordinated relief effort since the Second World War. Last year alone, 2.6 million Canadians received assistance from The Salvation Army.

The Everyone Needs an Army COVID documentary has already won many accolades from international film festivals, including winner of best documentary short at the Orlando International Film Festival.

Representatives from IHQ, the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory and partner agencies also attended the launch event. The exhibition continues until January 24 at International Headquarters.

Learn more about the Gallery 101 exhibit: https://bit.ly/3vHDhhB

Watch the Everyone Needs an Army documentary now: https://youtu.be/JHxjAFna1Vc

See more photos from the IHQ exhibit launch: https://bit.ly/3Wqld6t 

Note: Pictured are Ralph Goodale, General Brian Peddle, Kimberley Durrant and Lt-Col John Murray at the launch

By Geoff Moulton