Salvation Army welcomes Haitian evacuees and children in Canada

Jan 28 2010

Salvation Army Emergency and Disaster Services staff were on hand for the second time this week to welcome Haitian evacuees and children bound for adoption by Canadian families upon their arrival at Ottawa International Airport. The flight touched down in Ottawa just before 2:00 p.m. carrying approximately 52 orphans and 71 evacuees.

Salvation Army staff and volunteers provided winter coats, snowsuits, scarves, winter boots, hats and mittens to evacuees, many of whom were wearing summer clothing when they arrived. The Salvation Army also served evacuees a hot meal and tea and coffee from its Ballard Vehicle, which contains a mobile kitchen and washroom facilities.

"The evacuees were very thankful to receive a hot meal and coffee after such an incredible ordeal," said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "Its amazing the impact a cup of coffee and a warm winter coat can have on a family who has just been through one of the worst disasters in Haiti's history."

The Salvation Army has been working in Haiti since 1950 and its personnel who were affected by the earthquake are now working to assist others in need. The Salvation Army in Haiti operates three medical facilities, schools that serve at least 10,000 children, feeding programs, children's homes and church-related activities.

Source: THE SALVATION ARMY - ONTARIO CENTRAL DIVISION