Salvation Army Assists Survivors of Fire in Bowmanville

On March 6, a fire tore through a historic building in downtown Bowmanville, Ont., forcing many people to evacuate their homes.

The region’s emergency response team and the Red Cross arrived at the scene promptly to extinguish the fire and support the affected residents by relocating them to hotels. In the days following the fire, the Region of Durham invited The Salvation Army to become a drop-in hub for gift cards and monetary donations to assist displaced residents.

Auxiliary Lieutenant Allison Rennick, from The Salvation Army in Bowmanville, explains the Army’s role in supplementing the work of other organizations on the front lines.

“We have been acting as a resource for the victims.”

“We partnered to receive donations and put together packages of gift cards. Now the region has transitioned the residents to access the Army directly for ongoing support.”

Over 40 individuals affected by this disaster have reached out to The Salvation Army in the past few weeks. Aside from receiving gift cards many are accessing food support, while others are being helped in other ways. The Army partnered with an agency that is helping some of the residents get back missing IDs.

The Salvation Army’s staff did their best to accommodate everyone’s needs.

“A lady came in and told us her sleep apnea machine had been destroyed and it was brand new. We were able to reach out to a couple of places in the area, who then were able to donate and help her. We have been acting as a resource for the victims,” Lieutenant Allison adds.

“For those still in transition and struggling, we will continue to offer support.”

Although the situation was difficult and overwhelming, many of the residents expressed their appreciation for the assistance they have received.

“The victims themselves are very grateful,” Lieutenant Allison says. “Victims didn’t know what they needed at the moment and didn’t know where to turn. They were just in survival mode. Some have been back this week and we have been in contact. We are grateful to hear that some of them have even been able to secure housing moving forward. For those still in transition and struggling, we will continue to offer support.”

The Salvation Army will work with each of the residents in the months ahead as they aim to get back on their feet. The community of Bowmanville has shown generosity in offering support for the victims.

“Lots of people have reached out, and we were very blessed to have an amazing volunteer base to keep our operation going,” Lieutenant Allison shares.

By Juan Romero