Southern Ontario is in the midst of some intense heat and humidity these days. So much so that the city of Hamilton has issued a Heat Alert – which has prompted The Salvation Army to respond by opening city-designated, air-conditioned “cooling places” and mobilizing the community response unit. The response vehicle rotates between 2 locations in Hamilton, Birch St & Cannon and Gore Park, to hand out cold water to the public and to street involved persons during peak heat hours of 10-2pm. For a list of all cooling places in Hamilton click here.

Stay Cool! Below are some tips from the City of Hamilton’s webpage on how to beat the heat.

• Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages on hot days.

• Go to an air-conditioned place. Visit a cool place such as a mall, public recreation centres, public libraries, and other City run air-conditioned facilities, etc.

• Dress to protect from the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing. Wear a hat or take an umbrella to keep your head cool and don’t forget sunscreen.

• Take it easy. Limit physical activities (walking, running, gardening, etc.) during the day. If rescheduling activities to dawn or dusk when it may be cooler, protect yourself with insect repellent as mosquitoes are more active at such times. Check labels to apply.

• Cool off. Take a cool bath or shower.

• Keep your living space cool. Close your blinds or curtains. Open windows to let air circulate when using a fan.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes.

• Check on your neighbours and family.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; weak pulse, fainting and vomiting. If experiencing symptoms, seek help right away – call 911 if needed.

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services was invited to participate in Canada Day celebrations in London. Organizers of London Celebrates Canada asked Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) to set-up a display as a part of Heroes’ Day honouring everyday people, everyday heroes. The event took place July 1st at Harris Park with The Salvation Army set-up alongside first-responders (police, fire, EMS, military) and other NGO’s (Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance). London Celebrates Canada is a not-for-profit organization created to advance celebratory and commemorative programs in support of our proud national history and richly diversified Canadian culture.

Volunteers had the opportunity to talk to many people about the unique ministry of Emergency Disaster Services (estimated over 10,000 people attended) and had several express an interest in taking training to become volunteers. Local Salvation Army Ministry Units were well represented with personnel from Divisional Headquarters, Centre of Hope, London Village, and all 3 London Corps (churches) volunteering to work a shift at the display.

“What a privilege it was to participate in this great event and talk with people about the work of The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services”, says Perron Goodyear, Emergency Disaster Services Director for the Ontario Great Lakes Division. “While EDS personnel don’t consider themselves to be heroes, it was an honour and humbling to be included as a part of Heroes’ Day.”

Early Sunday morning a tornado tore through south-western Ontario affecting communities in Leamington and surrounding area causing severe damage and leaving thousands without power. Emergency Disaster Services personnel responded early providing food, hydration and emotional & spiritual support to first responders, work crews and the community.

A Community Response Unit from Hamilton as well as additional personnel from surrounding communities are expected early on Monday. “We are here to assist the community in any way we can”, says Perron Goodyear, Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Director. “We will continue to provide support for as long as needed.”

AUTISM CENTRE OPENING
June 4, 2010
535 Main St. E Hamilton ON
Open House 12-3 pm.

The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries is opening a new, innovative centre for adults with Autism located in downtown Hamilton. Designed by Garwood-Jones and Hanham Architects, the unique $2.5m building on Main St. E will become a hub for learning and growth for adults with autism in the Hamilton community.
The Autism Centre will provide a safe and supportive environment enabling adults with autism to connect to their own communities by providing vocational, recreational and learning opportunities.
The Autism Centre will operate on a membership basis whereby adults with autism develop their individual goals. The centre will build its membership over the coming year and programs will be designed and implemented based on the needs of the membership.
Guy Paparella, father of a young man with autism, assisted in helping to raise almost $500,000 to construct the modern facility. “I am proud of the way our community has come together to support this amazing new opportunity for people who would otherwise be overlooked.”
Current and emerging best practices and ongoing evaluation will be used to help develop programs and promote research, innovation, and community partnerships.
For those interested in finding out more about accessing the Autism Centre programs please contact Lisa Schumph at lisaschumph@lawsonministries.org.

For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is opening its doors to the public, inviting Canadians to tour its facilities and see firsthand the social services it provides to more than 1.5 million people in need each year. The Salvation Army’s 2010 National Open House is the largest one-day event culminating a month-long fundraising and public awareness campaign that seeks to educate the public about the cycle of poverty in Canada and raise funds to help combat the problem.

“Every day, The Salvation Army works in more than 400 local communities to deliver primary care services to the poor and homeless,” said Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in Canada. “Today, we are inviting community members into our facilities, and we ask for their continued support.”

The national open house events will spotlight the issues of homelessness and poverty, which currently affect more than three million people across Canada. Nationwide, there are more than 21 open house events taking place in many provinces across Canada. Earlier this month, The Salvation Army released a report, entitled “Poverty shouldn’t be a life sentence.” The primary findings indicate that one out of every nine Canadian adults have experienced or come close to experiencing homelessness. The Salvation Army also released data showing that demand for general social services has increased by 26 percent since 2008. To learn more, please contact one of the participating shelters in Ontario Great Lakes Division below.

London Centre of Hope
281 Wellington Street, London
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
CONTACT: Nancy Powers
519-661-1359

Oakville Lighthouse Shelter
750 Redwood Square, Oakville
CONTACT: Rachel Sawatzky
905-339-2918

St. Catharines Community Resource Centre/Booth Centre
184 Church Street, St. Catharines
CONTACT: Major Michael Hennessy
905-684-7813

Thunder Bay Community & Residential Services
545 Cumberland Street N, Thunder Bay
CONTACT: Major Merv Halvorsen
807-345-7319

London, ON – 18 people gathered at Divisional Headquarters in London on Saturday, April 17, 2010 to attend the “Introduction to Amateur Radio & SATERN” workshop sponsored by the Ontario Great Lakes (ONG) Division’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS).

The purpose of the course was to introduce participants to amateur radio, emergency communications and the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN). Participants learned about the basics of amateur radio and emergency communications from Scott D. Carter, Divisional Amateur Radio Liaison Officer for the Division.

Perron S. Goodyear, Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Director for ONG shared the history of SATERN and how SATERN is being integrated into EDS. Participants also learned about the expanded role of SATERN to include all forms of communication including internet, email, fax and setting up ad-hoc networks.

The workshop was supported by Major Rick Shirran, Territorial EDS Director and Territorial SATERN Director.

Local Charities Help Kitchener-Waterloo Residents Plan For The Future
Kitchener-Waterloo, April 14, 2010 – For a limited time, the Kitchener-Waterloo Free Wills Alliance Program is giving Kitchener-Waterloo residents the opportunity to receive a complementary basic will. The Kitchener-Waterloo Free Wills Alliance program is sponsored by Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, Grand River Hospital Foundation and The Salvation Army. These charities recognize that Canadians are generous and many participants will leave a gift to a charity after they have made provisions for their family and loved ones. However, there is no obligation to leave a gift to any charity.
“The Free Wills initiative provides a unique opportunity for people to ensure they protect those they care about as well as create a legacy of hope by leaving a gift to their charity of choice. By collaborating with local charities on this program, we hope this initiative will strengthen the Kitchener-Waterloo community and build a brighter future for all,” said, Major Ken Percy, Public Relations & Development Representative of The Salvation Army.