Salvation Army Relief and Assessment Teams Head to Regions Affected by Earthquake in China

    TORONTO, May 16 /CNW/ - In response to the strongest earthquake to hit
China in more than three decades, a Salvation Army Relief and Assessment Team
from Hong Kong is in the Sichuan Province to offer immediate relief and
evaluate what long-term assistance The Salvation Army can provide.
    The relief and assessment team, already working in Cheungdu, brought food
such as biscuits and rice as well as clean water supplies to many suffering
from this terrible tragedy. At the same time, a comprehensive on-site
assessment is ongoing.
    Gordon Lewis, of The Salvation Army's International Emergency Services
says, "Our reports suggest the Chinese military are doing as well as they
possibly can to rescue survivors and clear the worst-affected sites. The
assessment carried out by our colleagues from Hong Kong will give a good idea
as to what needs to be done next."
    The Salvation Army in China receives regular funding from the Army in
Canada and early indications suggest that resources will be in great demand as
relief continues, and re-construction and development begin.
    After decades of intermittent work, The Salvation Army returned to China
in 1988 in response to an earlier earthquake and in 1993, disaster relief and
community development projects began in many parts of mainland China. In 1996,
a Salvation Army Project Development Office serving southwestern China opened
in Kunming. More recently, project offices were opened in Beijing and Xinghe
County, Inner Mongolia. Three primary concerns for The Salvation Army in China
remain:

    -   Poverty alleviation and development
    -   Emergency relief and rehabilitation
    -   Child sponsorship

    Financial contributions in support of The Salvation Army's relief effort
in China can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or by visiting
www.SalvationArmy.ca

    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 115 countries around the world. The
Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often
tending to the basic necessities of life, provides 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.

For further information: Andrew Burditt, Territorial Public Relations
Director, The Salvation Army, (416) 845-8231,
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org, www.SalvationArmy.ca