The Salvation Army Answers the Mayor’s Call for Support
Toronto, Aug 30, 2018 – The Salvation Army in Toronto is responding to Mayor John Tory’s appeal for support for over 1,500 people, including over 300 children, who were displaced after the St. James Town apartment building fire last week at 650 Parliament Street.
The Salvation Army is mobilizing their Community and Family Services teams and Thrift Stores to provide vouchers for residents in need to shop free of cost for clothing and footwear at any Thrift Store in the GTA.
With children returning to school next week, The Salvation Army wants to make sure that every child is equipped to return to the classroom with what they need, including clothing, outerwear and running shoes for gym class.
“The Mayor has asked the city to come forward and support those affected by this fire and The Salvation Army is answering that call,” said Divisional Secretary of Public Relations, Glenn van Gulik. “The Salvation Army is able to provide individuals and families with immediate assistance and will continue to be there for them in the months ahead.”
The Salvation Army is requesting that citizens drop off gently used clothing to any Salvation Army Thrift Store, to help replenish its stock of quality used clothing. For locations, please visit ThriftStore.ca.
The Salvation Army will be on-site with volunteers to issue vouchers at this weekend’s donation distribution being held at the Rose Avenue Public School gymnasium, coordinated by the City of Toronto and other local community agencies. Displaced residents who are unable to attend can contact The Salvation Army’s Community & Family Services office at 77 River St. (416-646-2315 extension 6) to book an appointment to receive their voucher. Identification will be required.
About The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services
The Salvation Army provides numerous disaster relief services and each disaster creates its own unique circumstances. The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services is community based, varying from place to place based upon the community’s situation and the magnitude of the disaster.
In a disaster, The Salvation Army has the ability to provide both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help. Emergency response services are activated on short notice according to an agreed-upon notification procedure, while long-term recovery is strategically planned in response to the situation, through working agreements, partnerships and many other community agencies.
Even with the ability to be flexible and to respond based upon the community’s situation, there are several basic services that The Salvation Army offers in most major disasters. These services, including Food and Hydration Services, Shelter and Reception Centre Support, Donations Management, and Emotional and Spiritual Care form the core of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services program.
To learn more about The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, please visit our website at www.salvationarmy.ca/EDS
