Wednesday August 8, 2007 - As fears of epidemic rise following lethal floods in South Asia, The Salvation Army in Canada is sending $34.000 USD to Bangladesh to assist in relief efforts. The Salvation Army in Bangladesh is actively providing aid to 2,000 families (10,000 people) in the Sirajganj District.

“Food prices have gone up drastically in Bangladesh this year and are now rising even more with the flood waters, especially the price of rice, oil and lentils”, reports Lt.-Colonel Ethne Flintoff, the Salvation Army commander in Bangladesh. In a country with more than 140 million people, many living on less than $1 US per day, the situation is grim.

“The Salvation Army operates in 175 languages in 111 countries around the world”, says Commissioner William Francis, leader of the Salvation Army in Canada. “Last year, the international Salvation Army provided relief to almost 12 million people globally. We are compelled to do what we can to help the victims of the floods in Bangladesh.”
The Salvation Army began its work in Bangladesh as a relief operation following a severe cyclone in 1970. Currently, services are offered in both Bengali and English, and include 27 churches, 14 schools, 9 clinics, and 2 HIV/Aids Counseling Centres.

Please support The Salvation Army’s relief effort in Bangladesh. Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by visiting our website, www.SalvationArmy.ca, by mailing donations to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4, or dropping off financial donations at the closest Salvation Army unit in your area. Donors should specify their gift to the Bangladesh Flood Relief Fund.

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 111 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 please contact:

Andrew Burditt
Territorial Public Relations Director
The Salvation Army
416-845-8231
andrew_burditt@can.salvationarmy.org