Donations coming through EMCCC to aid Fort McMurray in the wake of the wildfires were entrusted to the Salvation Army, our partners on the ground. The Salvation Army provided the following report on their response to the crisis.
May 10th 2016
Dear Friends,
As we try to wrap our heads around the devastation caused by the fires in Fort McMurray, I would like to provide you with an update on The Salvation Army’s response in the area. Among our first concerns were the safety of our staff & the clients in our care, all of whom were safely evacuated and are now being housed in the Edmonton area. After that initial panic, and with the assurance that everyone in our care was safe, it was time to get to work.
The Salvation Army's Emergency & Disaster Services (EDS) personnel and volunteers have been working 24/7 to feed and counsel the firefighters and ground support crews in Fort McMurray. We started making our way to the area on Wednesday, May 4th, with our mobile kitchen and supplies, and our volunteers got as close as they could, providing support those they met along the way. On Saturday, May 7th, we were able to enter the city of Fort McMurray and, at the request of the province-and on-site emergency operations staff, we are now set up and providing upwards of 3,000 meals a day to first responders. We are housing people across the province, and our Family Services offices in Edmonton and. Calgary are assisting evacuees with food, gift cards, practical items, and clothing vouchers. Our plan in long term, and our EDS teams will be available in the weeks and months ahead. We have served the community of Fort McMurray since 1979, and we will continue to do so for many years to come.
In times of crisis, The Salvation Army quietly comes along side those in need to provide them with the support they will require to get back on their feet, both immediate and long term. we are proud to be able to help, and we hope that you are proud to know that it is your support that allows us to do so. We will post updates as they become available on our website: www.salvationarmy.ca/alberta.
Jaime Cordoba
Charitable Gift Advisor
Salvation Army
