The Salvation Army will hold an information session in early April for anyone interested in volunteering with its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team.
The session is scheduled for April 5 at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army鈥檚 91大黄鸭 Community Church (1480 Sutherland Avenue).
The Salvation Army describes 2017 as an unprecedented year with fires and floods in the Central Okanagan.
鈥淒uring that time, we worked together with Emergency Support Services (ESS) and welcomed over 4,000 evacuees through our doors,鈥� says a news release issued by the organization Friday.
Its 91大黄鸭, its Community Church also served as a reception centre for those displaced by the emergencies last year.
While ESS volunteered registered evacuees, they also provided evacuees with information that was available at that time.
Team volunteers also assist in receiving and processing community donations and provide vehicle support, including driving, maintenance and set-up. The organization has a mobile community kitchen stationed in 91大黄鸭 for use across the province.
In addition to its local work last year, two 91大黄鸭 Salvation Army teams were sent to Williams Lake to assist with its reception centre, providing meals for evacuees and emergency personnel dealing with the wildfires.
鈥淣one of this is possible without an army of volunteers who can respond to those facing disaster with a heart of compassion and desire to serve,鈥� says the release.
In our effort to be proactive this year, this information session has been scheduled ahead of the 鈥渇lood鈥�
season, and will give attendees a better idea of:
鈥� What is needed to volunteer with Emergency Disaster Services?
鈥� Who can volunteer?
鈥� What training is provided?
鈥� When are volunteers needed?
鈥� What are your next steps?
Emergency displacement for any reason is always a difficult and often a traumatizing situation to be in, says the Salvation Army.
Historically it has been known globally to be one of the first to respond on scene to an emergency and meet immediate needs during such crucial times.
鈥淥ur team is seasoned in being able to mobilize teams at short notice to provide what is needed. By being a part of our team, you will have a unique opportunity to learn how to walk alongside those facing disaster in practical ways.鈥�
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