The Rogers Family and The Salvation Army Team Up for COVID-19 Relief

by The Salvation Army in Canada
Categories: News
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    Today, the Rogers family donated $10 million to The Salvation Army to help support Canadians affected by COVID-19. It is the largest private donation the charity has received in its more than 135 years of giving hope to those in need across Canada.

    “The incredible generosity of the Rogers family is critical to the work of The Salvation Army now and in the months ahead,” says Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, national leader of The Salvation Army. “It allows us to continue to deliver vital, life-changing services to those who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    “Our family is honoured to be able to do a small part to help Canadians and Canadian families as they try to recover from the difficult financial challenges that COVID-19 has brought to so many people, especially people already under financial stress,” said Martha Rogers, Chair of The Rogers Foundation. “All of the money will be donated in 2020 so we can make as immediate an impact as possible.”

    In all provinces and territories across the country, the funds will improve food security, enhance the provision of shelter and social services, and fund additional emergency disaster services vehicles that deliver food to vulnerable children and families.

    Thanks to this generous donation, Salvation Army food banks will:

    • increase food procurement, particularly fresh food
    • purchase additional equipment, including walk-in freezers and coolers that will allow for the safe food management
    • augment counselling and practical support

    Shelters will:

    • enhance the provision of shelter and social services
    • prepare and provide fresh food and prepared take-out meals
    • pivot from congregate meals to offer safer options and strengthen long-term community integration

    Emergency services will:

    • acquire additional emergency disaster services vehicles to facilitate meal delivery
    • provide hot meals to individuals, seniors and families at allocated sites
    • send meal trucks into high-need communities regularly

    “The Salvation Army is truly grateful to the Rogers family whose kindness will aid our efforts on many fronts,” says Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “Together we can give a glimmer of hope to the thousands of Canadians who are overwhelmed and struggling as a result of COVID-19.”