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The Salvation Army in Myanmar Responds to Cyclone Nargis
(London) The Salvation Army in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is responding to the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, which is thought to have killed more than 20,000 people. Communications to Myanmar have been severely affected but news has been received that local Salvationists are helping victims in the Yangon area.
Although occasionally the victim of flooding in the rainy seasons, the country of Myanmar has not, on the whole, been subject to cyclones. Because of this, the infrastructure is not in place to deal with such a disaster. News bulletins are reporting an escalating death toll and many thousands of people are now homeless as a result of the cyclone and without access to clean water.
Despite being subject to the great difficulties and damage to property - the roof was torn off the Regional Headquarters building - members of The Salvation Army in Yangon have been providing cooked meals from their own store of food for those who are desperately in need. Local Salvationists are seeking to assist as many people as possible although access to many areas is near impossible. In some places communication networks are completely unavailable.
Commissioner David Bringans, leader of The Salvation Army in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, says: 'Our people in Myanmar are already dispensing rice and other relief to the people. Both of our two children's homes in Yangon have artesian wells and they are running the generators to pump water from these almost non-stop. The public are therefore able to come to our compounds to receive clean water at this time.'
There has already been widespread support from many countries in terms of financial assistance and, as access and communications improve, aid will be sent direct to those giving assistance. A Salvation Army assessment team from the region is en route to the affected area and will make plans for the most immediate needs to be met. There is no doubt that this tragedy has caused much suffering and that it will take a long time for Myanmar and the population to recover from the effects of this unexpected devastation.
Major Mike Caffull, Field Operations Officer of International Emergency Services, says: 'Early indications suggest that Salvationists in Myanmar are responding magnificently to the disaster that has hit their country, but it is also clear that there is going to be a great need for substantial financial support to enable an appropriate response to the damage and suffering that is already being experienced and which is likely to continue for some time.'
Donations to support The Salvation Army’s work in Myanmar can be made on-line at or by phoning 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Salvation Army Offers Safe Shelter from the
Storms of Alcohol & Drug Abuse
In Alaska, where the substance abuse rate is among some of our nations highest, Captains John & Cathy Quinn are leading the battle against addictions in the community of Kodiak, Alaska, opening their Corps building to provide a safe gathering place for young adults on the weekends. “Our hearts are burdened for the young people in Kodiak, who have been overly exposed to alcohol,” shares Captain John Quinn.
Click here for more information.
Transformed Treasures Help Salvation Army Transform Lives
 The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary Spring Lunch & Auction experienced a significant transformation this year. The results of our first annual Transformed Treasures auction were amazing, with more than $46,000 raised to support local Salvation Army programs! Our special thanks to BP, our major sponsor and supporters including ALPAR, Capital Office Systems, CH2M Hill and Color Art Printing.
Local artists, crafters and designers selected items from local Salvation Army Thrift Stores and were challenged to refashion it into a one of a kind treasure. Some were gently transformed, like the frames that received a new finish to capture the beauty of Betty Atkinson's original art work or the old fashioned wooden rocker restored and repainted with a polar bear motif; other items were completely transformed, including a woll sweater felted into a purse, a whimsical "kitchen dog" sculpture made using old kitchen utensils or the 5 foot tall tulip glass sculpture created from a punch bowl and glass snack plates.
Most importantly, the Transformed Treasures auction provided a wonderful opportunity to share the significant ministry of The Salvation Army in helping to reclaim, recycle and redeem the lives of countless Alaskans each year.
Local Teen Helps Homeless Families
A local 16-year-old is working to help brighten the holidays for homeless families at The Salvation Army McKinnell House by hosting her second annual Holiday Tea & Open House this Sunday, from 1:30 - 4:00 pm at Clair D’Loon Restaurant located at 3210 Denali Street. Donations of paper products, basic hygiene items and baby diapers will be collected during event, which is open to the public.
For more information click here.
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