HOPE AND DIGNITY IN TIMES OF DISASTER

 

Regina, SK – The Salvation Army has always maintained its goal to provide hope and dignity by supporting people through life’s challenges.

We do that in many ways, including helping families, caring for the elderly, feeding the hungry, giving shelter to the homeless, and helping young people.

There is one rising need that has become just as important for The Salvation Army: offering relief in disasters and emergencies. 

In Saskatchewan, The Salvation Army has responded to many unfortunate circumstances where thousands of people were forced to evacuate their homes because of fires, floods and/or tornadoes.

Next door, Major Roy Langer, who has served as Alberta’s Emergency and Disaster Services Director since 2005, has experienced many life altering disasters around the world himself. He provided support at ground zero in New York during 9-11, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the Slave Lake fire that left thousands of people without homes one short year ago.

At the Dignity Luncheon in Regina, Tuesday, May 29th, Langer shared these tragic events as a member of The Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services team even showing images of the catastrophes.  Much of Langer’s EDS work has centred on emotional and spiritual care and grief following trauma, making a difference in hundreds of people’s lives.

The Salvation Army Dignity Luncheon is part of Dignity Month – raising money for Salvation Army programming across the country. It’s also meant to educate the public about the reality of poverty in the 21st century – underscoring that everyone deserves the fundamental right of human dignity. Learn more at www.salvationarmy.ca/dignity.

Click here to view photos of the event: http://www.facebook.com/#!/TSA.Prairie