The Salvation Army in Brandon Offers Mobile Water Delivery During Hot Days
To help battle the heat this summer, The Salvation Army in Brandon, Man., has developed an initiative to assist priority communities in the city’s main core.
On days when the temperature reaches 30 C or above, Salvation Army staff and volunteers walk around downtown pulling rolling wagons with coolers where they store water bottles that are then delivered to the displaced or people experiencing homelessness. The Army’s team transports the wagons using an emergency disaster services vehicle.
Even though they already provide mobile feeding every Saturday, this is the first time the Brandon Corps/Church is offering mobile water deliveries.
“We discussed needs in the community, and felt this was one we could help meet,” Major Jamie Rands of the Brandon Corps explained. “We want to give hope today wherever we can. A lot of the people downtown do not have access to the amenities that you and I normally would. We are used to being in a place where we can find air conditioning, but here they are sitting out in the heat.”
“A lot of the people downtown do not have access to the amenities that you and I normally would.”
The water deliveries have come at the right time for those who need the support. Over the past few weeks, Manitoba has experienced a heat wave, with humidex values constantly hitting the mid-30s. According to Environment Canada, the scorching temperatures are expected to continue throughout the summer. The heat has caused some water shortages in Brandon.
“A few of the stores have been out of water here because of the demand and the heat so, whenever they replenish, we go over, pick up what we can to continue to fill the need as necessary through the summer,” added Major Rands.
“We discussed needs in the community, and felt this was one we could help meet.”
Many of the people experiencing homelessness in Brandon are transient. They either come from up north to spend the summer or are just passing by trying to get to other places. For this reason, many of them are unaware of The Salvation Army’s presence in Brandon. The mobile water deliveries allow potential clients to learn about any available additional support.
“A little bit of conversation and maybe a cold bottle of water is a great way to start a relationship or even just to get to know someone a bit better,” Major Rands said.
When it comes to the people they are helping, Major Rands says clients feel pleased and grateful whenever they see Salvation Army staff rolling in with the wagons.
With the official start of summer, the Brandon Corps has assembled a good team to handle the need. However, new volunteers are always welcome to assist in delivering more water.
By Juan Romero
