Giving Hope Throughout Lethbridge and Fort MacLeod During COVID-19

Lethbridge Salvation Army feeding people in isolation during COVID-19
by Alberta
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    The Salvation Army in Lethbridge, Alberta, has stepped up their efforts to meet needs of the communities of Lethbridge and Fort MacLeod during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In the past five weeks, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services has been working everyday to provide three fully prepared meals a day through their feeding program. On behalf of the City of Lethbridge and Alberta Health Services, the Super Lodge Hotel has been providing accommodations for those who are quarantined to avoid over crowding in the community shelter. A Salvation Army canteen is set up outside to prepare and serve meals to those staying at the hotel.

    “The numbers fluctuate so we’re anywhere from 17-25 different hotel rooms,” Major Don Bladen, Community Ministry Officer said. “So, on average, 60-75 meals a day and that’s three meals a day.”

    The Alliance Church in Fort MacLeod is temporarily acting as a food collection base as The Salvation Army continues to use the Family Services building in Lethbridge to store food items being collected from the church. The use of food bank services is seeing double in the amount of people needing the service.

    “We have loosened requirements because we recognize that there are a lot of people not normally food bank clients but as a result of this pandemic, are out of work and finding it difficult to get supplies,” Major Bladen said.

    In partnership with the two local food banks, volunteers help deliver food hampers door to door for those who are unable to leave their homes. Food hampers are created at The Salvation Army Family Services building with food that has been donated at the food bank in Fort MacLeod. Food hampers are provided due to safety recommendations set out by Alberta Health Services. COVID-19 has been a challenge for charities but adjusting to the new protocols will allow for the continuation of services for those in need.

    The thrift store remains closed due to COVID-19 but continues to provide clothing and household items in partnership with other community groups, to help individuals in need. The local soup kitchen ministry in Lethbridge has been sharing resources with The Salvation Army for the feeding program that runs out of the canteen at the Super Lodge Hotel.

    “As difficult as what this is, there is a message of hope and because the community is coming together,” Major Bladen said. “The Salvation Army and other great organizations are rising to the challenge. It’s a testimony to our strength and to the presence of God and to all that we do.”

    The best moments come from the people that are getting help. After a long day at the canteen, a couple of gentlemen at the Super Lodge Hotel got onto their balconies and decided to catch the attention of one of the canteen workers. They shared their appreciation and expressed how they are able to sense that the Salvation Army team really do care about the people they serve.

    “The impact that had on her to just receive a comment of gratitude from someone in a desperate situation was quite warming,” Major Bladen said.

    The Salvation Army Lethbridge will continue to bring people together and build community in the safest way possible. The hopefulness continues to flow through the ministry as they do the best they can for their community.