Update: Salvation Army Response to Goderich Tornado

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services continues to provide 200 – 250 meals per day from the Knights of Columbus hall in the Town of Goderich, Ont., where, on August 21, a tornado wreaked havoc on the community. They are serving first responders, volunteers and citizens who are still not able to provide food for themselves.

The team is also providing clothing through two locations in the community. They have continued their partnership with Trinity Christian Reformed church and are using their facility to collect and sort food donations, both for the daily meals and for distribution to the affected population. Distribution of the food through emergency social services is being handled from the Victoria Public School facility. 51 Families were served through this yesterday.

The Community response vehicle has been roaming around the affected neighbourhood, manned by Officers/pastors and soldiers/members from The Salvation Army Goderich and other Salvation Army churches in the area. They are providing hydration, snacks and Emotional & Spiritual Care.

Moving forward, it is expected that the Emergency Response phase has ended and the town is transitioning into recovery. The team will probably be disbanded on Friday and this part of The Salvation Army’s response will be geared down, returning personnel and resources to their own communities. The Salvation Army’s Community and Family Services in Goderich has now hired a temporary family services worker to continue the long-term Emergency Social Services to assist families and individuals who will continue to need ongoing assistance.