Angels in the Night event brings warmth to homeless shelters across Canada

More than $1.5 million in supplies contributed by Invis mortgage brokers since the program's inception

TORONTO , Dec. 8 /CNW/ - Today and into the night, teams of Angels in the Night volunteers will personally deliver $250,000 worth of newly-purchased clothing and supplies to 65 residential shelters in 12 Canadian cities.

This event marks a year's worth of fundraising by mortgage brokers at Invis, one of Canada's largest mortgage brokerage firms, along with their friends, families and business partners. Since the program was established in 2002, Angels in the Night volunteers have raised more than $1.5 million in support of The Salvation Army.

"As mortgage consultants we work throughout the year help Canadians become homeowners, but with Angels in the Night we do what we can to help those who are homeless or in transition," said Gord Dahlen, president and chief executive officer of Invis. "We hope our efforts can help make a difference, especially at this time of year."

While the exact number of homeless persons in Canada remains unknown, a recent Statistics Canada report revealed that approximately 101,000 Canadian women and children stayed in shelters last year.

Each year, Angels in the Night volunteers work directly with registered shelters to identify supplies they need the most, and then partner with national wholesale suppliers to get the best possible value for their dollars. For example, $100 can purchase 135 pairs of sport socks, 50 knit toques, 35 pairs of gloves or 20 sweatshirts. Cold-weather clothing items are most often requested, but this year requests for personal care items such as soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes were also common.

"In a year when many Canadians have experienced economic hardship, demand for our services has increased - and shelters need these essentials more than ever," said Graham Moore , Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development at the Canadian Headquarters of The Salvation Army. "Angels in the Night donations make a positive impact in our efforts to support those seeking a way out of homelessness."

This year, Angels in the Night volunteers will visit homeless shelters in Vancouver , Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Vernon, Cranbrook, Calgary , Red Deer, Edmonton , Winnipeg , Toronto and Halifax .

Start times and locations

Members of the media are welcome to lend a hand as volunteers in the following cities:

    
    City            Location                            Start time (local)

    Halifax         105 - 3260 Barrington Street        5:00 pm

    Toronto         446 Parliament Street               6:30 pm

    Winnipeg        Invis Office                        4:00 pm
                    2310 Pembina Hwy.

    Calgary         Army & Navy Store                   6:00 pm
                    1107 - 33rd Street NE
                    (parking lot north side of store)

    Edmonton        Army & Navy Store                   5:00 pm
                    137 Avenue & 66 Street

    Red Deer        4837 54th Street                    6:30 pm

    Vancouver       901 East Hastings Street            5:30 pm
                    (rear entrance, west door)

    Victoria        505 771 Vernon Avenue               4:00 pm

    Kelowna         Kelowna Gospel Mission              1:00 pm
                    251 Leon Avenue

    Vernon          Invis Office                        5:00 pm
                    4705 B 29th Street

    Nanaimo         1 - 1200 Princess Royal Avenue      5:00 pm

    Cranbrook       Women's Resource Centre             5:00 pm
                    45 13th Avenue
    

About Angels in the Night

Angels in the Night is a volunteer community event founded by Invis in 2002. Angels in the Night aims to raise money for The Salvation Army through mortgage brokers, financial institutions, business partners and other service providers to purchase blankets, outerwear and other clothing and supplies for homeless shelters and other charitable organizations. Please visit www.angelsinthenight.ca.

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

For further information: and to schedule an interview: Jessica Davidson or Meredith Adolph, Environics Communications, [phone] or [phone], [email protected] or [email protected]