Disaster Services Volunteers Help Fort Erie Residents Through Snowstorm

Following a storm that dropped 1.5 metres of snow, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team rolled into Fort Erie to assist residents who were without power in late 2022.

The Fort Erie Leisureplex was turned into an emergency shelter where Salvation Army EDS staff and volunteers set up to provide food, water, and emotional and spiritual care for anyone in need of assistance. At peak outage, 14,000 people were without power in the community.

EDS volunteers also drove around the community to bring snacks and water to crews working to restore power and clear the streets of snow and downed trees. A total of 19 people used the shelter over three nights, as a place to warm up and sleep, receive meals and drinks, and to receive emotional care and support.

Volunteers from Salvation Army Etobicoke Temple, Niagara Orchard Community Church and Fort Erie Community and Family Services joined in the emergency response. EDS volunteer and Fort Erie resident Shannon Watters took part in her very first deployment in her hometown.

“I was 56 hours without power, so I could have used this shelter as well. Luckily, we had a gas fireplace, but we could have been one of the families here spending the night. Fortunately, we could stay in our house and have the energy to help others who didn’t have the resources we had in our house,” Shannon explains.

“I know the people and I know the area, so it was a good stepping-stone to work with those who have more experience and knowledge.”

Ontario EDS Coordinator Trevor McLellan says this response had the advantage of being able to prepare ahead of time, as it was known that the storm was expected to hit Fort Erie hard.

“It’s a good opportunity for a pretty young EDS team. This is a good chance for them to practice and learn new skills and to see how other team members work effectively together,” Trevor says.

More information about EDS can be found at www.salvationarmy.ca/eds. Join our Army of Givers and support Emergency Disaster Services by donating at www.salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.