Salvation Army Provides Critical Support to Those Affected by Hurricane Fiona

It’s close to a week since Hurricane Fiona slammed into Canada’s eastern seaboard, and hundreds of hungry and displaced people continue to reach out to The Salvation Army for assistance.

“A warm, full belly helps me sleep at night,” says Cindy, who is displaced to due apartment building damage.

“I am overwhelmed and now don’t have to worry about how I will feed my children,” says Mary, whose food has spoiled due to no power.

“A warm, full belly helps me sleep at night.”

“We saw varying levels of flooding and destruction in the communities we serve,” says Lieutenant Gina Haggett of The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “With the help of generous contributions, we can meet immediate needs. We also recognize that our long-term recovery assistance will be critical for those who have lost homes and trying to piece their lives back together.”

With a presence in 400 communities across Canada, Salvation Army emergency disaster services personnel were able to deploy immediately after Fiona made landfall. They continue to provide food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to those affected.

“I was on a team serving hot meals at an evacuation centre in Halifax,” says Rebecca Mitchell, Salvation Army community engagement worker. “I saw firsthand how donations enabled us to reach the critical needs of many who were hungry and fearful of the unknown. We just want people to feel loved.”

In Cape Breton, emergency disaster services teams are on the ground serving up to 700 people a day.

“We just want people to feel loved.”

“We offer three warm meals and a listening ear,” says Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle. “As word gets out, we expect to serve more. Many still don’t have power or water. Food is spoiling and, for some, there is an ongoing sense of desperation.”

On Saturday, The Salvation Army in Port aux Basques, NL, opened as a warming centre and, by Saturday night, an emergency shelter was coordinated alongside community partners at a local high school. The teams on the ground continue to provide breakfast, lunch, supper, and emotional and spiritual care for those who need it.

A familiar phrase has been echoed throughout our response: “The Salvation Army, you are always here to help.”

Due to the extensive impact of the hurricane, The Salvation Army expects that assistance will be long-term. Donations to The Salvation Army’s emergency services response can be made at SalvationArmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

By Linda Leigh