The Salvation Army Brings Storm Relief to Ajax and Uxbridge

Emergency response teams from The Salvation Army spent several days in Uxbridge following the May 21 windstorm that swept across the province. A tornado is confirmed to have touched down in the city, making it one of the hardest hit areas in Ontario.

“Salvation Army Hope Community Church in Ajax assisted in both Uxbridge and Ajax, providing water, hot and cold drinks, and snacks to make life just a little bit easier for residents,” says Captain Jason Sabourin with Hope Community Church.

“We wanted to bring a neighbourly connection to people and to give them the space to relax and cool off during a difficult time,” Captain Jason explains.

“Often what people are simply looking for is some practical conversation to alleviate their stress and be assured that everything will be alright.”

Over several days, a combined 275 meals, 400 snacks, 200 bottles of water, 60 bottles of juice, coffee and fruit was handed out to residents in both Uxbridge and Ajax.

The Salvation Army already has a presence in both communities, operating street ministry and meal outreach programs, so Captain Jason says it was easy to transition to emergency response with the mobile food services vehicle.

Hope Community Church has only had the vehicle for just over a year, and this is the first time it has been used to assist in an emergency. The team set up at a Town of Ajax recreation centre to meet with residents and provide food and water.

“We have a good crew of people that are trained to respond with the vehicle, and we will be available for as long as we are needed,” Captain Jason says.

Anyone looking to contribute to Salvation Army relief efforts are welcome to donate snack foods, water, or juice boxes to Hope Community Church. Financial donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.ca.