Salvation Army Ontario Distribution Centre Supports more than 2 Million People Annually

Recently, Yes TV profiled The Salvation Army’s Ontario Distribution Centre in North York and the Scarborough Citadel to showcase to its viewers the logistics behind warehousing and shipping donated food and the important role of community food banks.

Staff at the Ontario Distribution Centre sort, pack and ship food and personal care items to 100 Salvation Army food banks across the province and supports more than 2 million people annually through Salvation Army Ministry Units in Ontario.

“We were very pleased that Yes TV wanted to gain insight into our operations and the significant role of the Ontario Distribution Centre has in terms of packing, sorting and shipping essential food and personal care items to our Salvation Army food banks across Ontario,” said John Halbert, executive director of the Ontario Distribution Centre. “There are a lot of logistics and steps involved to get donated food safely to our food banks and ultimately into the hands of our communities’ most vulnerable.”

At the Scarborough Citadel, the Yes TV crew documented the unloading of supplies from the Ontario Distribution Centre, and Lt. Johnny Valencia spoke of the difference the shipment makes in the local community.

“We help about 300 families every month with food and other needs and distribute 6,000 pounds of food every month. Without the help of the Distribution Centre, it would be almost impossible to serve our community in this capacity,” Valencia said.

In Scarborough, Lt. Valencia has noticed an increase of 25-30 new families every month looking for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The core of The Salvation Army in Canada is to bring hope to families. Our passion is to help people in need, without discrimination, through the love of Jesus.”

Even during COVID-19, volunteers are still needed at the Ontario Distribution Centre and are encouraged to visit www.salvationarmy.ca to sign up.