The Salvation Army Assists with Flood Clean Up Operations

Following the spring flooding, we assisted in the clean-up efforts in the St John River area. We participated along with several church groups and Samaritan’s Purse to provide aid to the local residents impacted by the flood. Our mission was to provide support and care of clean-up workers. The Salvation Army effort was lead by the Fredericton CFS Director, Rhonda MacDonald. A small crew of local volunteers assisted by Bill Bowers of Spryfield and Alex Brant of Sackville, prepared meals at our Church in Fredericton and served meals to work crews at sites along the river.

The CRU departed Halifax on May 20, 2008 with Alex and Bill, and food handling equipment. They reported to Fredericton and started operations on May 22. The daily routine was to provide two coffee breaks (morning and afternoon) and serve lunch at the work site. Operations were scaled back on May 26, and Fredericton continued with a smaller van and their own people (still on-going)

Stats May 22-26: Meals served 90, snacks/beverage served 257, referrals to CFS 1: Distance driven – Fredericton transit to and from 852 km. Total travel from Fredericton to St John River sites 564 km; Volunteers 2 from Halifax, 3 from Fredericton. I employee from Fredericton; 2 volunteers from Fredericton were trained to drive and operate the CRU.

Summary: An excellent deployment. This small team should be commended especially Rhonda, Bill and Alex. Rhonda provided private accommodation and took care of Bill and Alex. Food was provided from the Church groups with supplemental supplies from local CFS.