VANCOUVER, BC March 18, 2011 – In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the North-East coast of Japan along with the ongoing problems at a nuclear power station, The Salvation Army dispensed three emergency service relief teams to assist with the destruction. Additionally, The Salvation Army in Canada has allocated $75,000 to support the ongoing relief effort.
The most damaged city is Sendai, approximately 400 kilometers away from Tokyo. Commissioner Makoto Yoshida, leader of The Salvation Army's Japan Territory, was at territorial headquarters in Tokyo and reports: 'Our building swayed tremendously. It was hard for us to keep standing.'
As a result from The Salvation Army's presence and willingness to assist, the Japanese Government has granted permission to Salvation Army teams to enter the disaster areas and use the access roads that are currently closed off to the general population.
Responding immediately with the provision of vital assistance, the first of the three teams traveled directly to Sendai, where over 1,000 meals were served to evacuees. Hot meals and drinks were prepared in The Salvation Army's mobile emergency canteen and distributed to all
those in need.
One of the two other teams was charged with the role of assisting people who have been evacuated around the vicinity of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station where there has
been the ongoing threat of potential danger and risk.
The remaining team on site went to a relief office in the Mito area and unloaded bottles of water, biscuits, blankets, children's diapers, tissue boxes and other necessities for distribution to evacuees along with offering emotional support.
Donations can be made through the following means:
Financial contributions can be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769), by online, by
texting QUAKE to 45678 from most Canadian carriers, 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 Japan Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.
