The Salvation Army in Canada Celebrates 130 Years of Service

Continues to Promote Hope and Dignity Through Innovative New Programs

TORONTO, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - The Salvation Army began its work in Canada in 1882, and as the organization celebrates its 130^th anniversary this June, there have been numerous past accomplishments to celebrate, but there is also much to look forward to in the future.

The Salvation Army has always been a Christian denomination and in Canada, it adopted Founder William Booth's philosophy to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all people. As a result, the concept of 'soup, soap and salvation' took hold, later to be developed into the comprehensive social service network The Salvation Army operates today.

"Since opening our doors in Canada in 1882, The Salvation Army has served millions of people - providing food, shelter and assistance to the many marginalized individuals that have come to us in their hour of need," said Commissioner Brian Peddle, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. "It is our faith that motivates our mission, and The Salvation Army has been and will continue to be there for the people of Canada."

The Salvation Army today has evolved to accommodate the changing times. While the same values and goals still exist, The Salvation Army has been introducing innovative new programs and services in recent years to provide hope and dignity for people in greatest need.

A few examples of the many programs provided include:

• Sally's Community Kitchen in Sussex, N.B. which teaches single moms and those with low incomes how to better live within their budgets and provide healthy meals for their families.
• The New Hope Community Centre in Newfoundland offers a 12-week retail skills employment training program boosting participant's self-esteem and giving them confidence to succeed in the workplace.
• A "riding course" offered by The Salvation Army in Hamilton teaches people with developmental and cognitive disabilities how to use the bus promoting independence and restoring dignity.
• In Winnipeg, The Salvation Army offers a new driver-training program for immigrants from war-affected African countries to make their lives easier, especially with a language barrier.
• Fireside Addiction Services is a new Salvation Army clinic in Chilliwack, B.C. that provides an intensive six-week program with group and individual therapy.

"For 130 years now, The Salvation Army has been providing support to the people of Canada and we have grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country," said Commissioner Peddle. "Though many years have gone by since 1882, The Salvation Army's mission remains the same, to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals across Canada and continue to provide hope and dignity to all."

About The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and everyday in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca