Westside Salvation Army’s Capt. Rob Henson and a team of volunteers are seen serving a meal to evacuees.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Salvation Army
August 25, 2023 - 12:30 PM
With more than 2,500 properties in the Central Okanagan still under an evacuation order due to the McDougall Creek wildfire, there are a lot of evacuees to feed.
The Salvation Army is doing it's best to fill that need, serving about 500 people evacuees per meal everyday.
The Westside Salvation Army along with the Fernie, Trail and Nelson Salvation Army units have been working to give back to those affected by providing hot meals and essential resources to both first responders and evacuees, according to a Salvation Army media release.
In partnership with the Westbank Lions, the Rotary Club of West Kelowna and the Central Okanagan Food Bank and other local restaurants, the Westside Salvation Army have been serving evacuees a pancake breakfast as well as burgers and hot dogs every day from their emergency disaster mobile truck.
The Westside Salvation Army coordinates the feeding of 300 firefighters per meal. Shown here are firefighters enjoying the chicken vegetable stew and dessert, prepared by Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Salvation Army
“We have been serving approximately 500 evacuees per meal at the West Kelowna evacuation centre,” Capt. Jennifer Henson from the Westside Salvation Army said in the release.
Evacuees who have not yet received help from Emergency Social Services are invited to a make-shift shopping experience at the Westside Salvation Army warehouse. Evacuees will receive grocery gift cards, clothing vouchers to the Westbank Salvation Army Thrift Store, and will be able to shop for personal care items such as new blankets, towels, hygiene products and toiletries.
The organization has also been able to support first responders by delivering meals from local restaurants directly to the fire halls and serving upwards to 300 firefighters per meal.
Salvation Army has also launched its senior fire relief meal program, where seniors can have access to healthy, nutritious meals delivered directly to their home. Seniors can register for this program by calling 778-484-9790.
The Westside Salvation Army’s Captain Jennifer Henson is seen surprising a young couple with cake. This young couple was celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary when they were evacuated from their home.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Salvation Army
“The outpouring of generosity, compassion, and collaboration from our community has been truly amazing. Our staff and volunteers have been working 12-plus hour days for the last eight days straight; our local restaurants, caterers, businesses, churches, individuals, service groups, and partner organizations have been so supportive in helping us meet the ever-changing needs of our community at this difficult time,” Capt. Henson said.
The Westside Salvation Army said that it will continue to provide meals, snacks and hydration for first responders and evacuees for as long as it is needed.
Donations to the organization may be dropped off to the Westside Salvation Army, located at 3531 Old Okanagan Highway, Westbank BC, from Monday to Friday 10am-2pm. Monetary donations may be made through their website. The organization has asked the public to review the donation list, as needs change quickly.
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