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Angels in the Night Event Brings Warmth to Homeless Shelters across Canada
Angels in the Night Event Brings Warmth to Homeless Shelters across Canada
Published 12-08-08
Submitted by Angels in the Night
TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Today and into the night, teams of Angels in the Night volunteers will personally deliver more than $260,000 worth of newly-purchased clothing and supplies to 75 residential shelters in 11 Canadian cities.
This event marks a year's worth of fundraising by consultants at Invis, Canada's largest independent mortgage brokerage firm, along with their friends, families and business partners. Since the program was established in 2002, Angels in the Night volunteers have raised more than $1.26 million dollars in support of The Salvation Army.
"As mortgage advisors, we take pride in helping Canadians find a home throughout the year," said Gord Dahlen, Executive Vice President for Invis. "As winter sets in, we're also mindful of how important it is to help those who are homeless or in transition."
Each year, Angels in the Night coordinators work directly with registered shelters to identify supplies they need the most, and then get the best possible value for their dollars by partnering with national wholesale suppliers. 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.
"Homelessness is an unfortunate reality for many, and the pressure on our services tends to increase in times of job losses and economic uncertainty," said Graham Moore, Territorial Secretary for Public Relations and Development at the Canadian Headquarters of The Salvation Army. "Angels in the Night is a great reminder that people coming together can make a difference."
In 2007, The Salvation Army provided 6,370 shelter beds in communities throughout Canada.
This year, Angels in the Night volunteers will visit homeless shelters in Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Halifax, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Victoria, Kelowna and Cranbrook.
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.
