The Salvation Army Giving Hope during Brandon’s Flood of the Century
18th Street dike system nearing capacity
Brandon, MB – With flood waters at levels not seen in over 100 years and a looming threat of massive flooding should dikes be breached, The Salvation Army marches forward into battle, assisting and providing comfort to those affected by the flood waters of the Assiniboine River. After the city of Brandon announced a forced evacuation of over 350 homes, displaced residents were directed to the Flood Reception Centre at the Keystone for registration. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services volunteers are present providing light refreshments, personal care packages as well as important emotional and spiritual care.
“The reception centre has been open since 9 am this morning and we have been working non stop providing evacuees with coffee, water, juice, fruit and muffins as they wait for provincial emergency assistance during this stressful time. We also have the privilege of listening to and praying with those people affected by our flood situation. For as long as we are needed, we are here to help in whatever way we can,” states Janice Cameron of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services in Brandon.
18th Street dike being elevated to combat rising floodwaters
The Salvation Army Mobile Canteen is also hard at work serving meals and hot beverages to those toiling against the flood, shoring up dikes and making sandbags.
Captain Bruce Mackenzie, Corps Officer in Brandon, reports, “We have fed over 150 people during our lunch run to sandbaggers near Highway 110. We expect an additional 100 or so for dinner this evening. We have been blessed by the response of our community partners in helping us get food to those who are committed to the safety of our friends and family here in the Brandon area.”
The situation at Brandon is reaching a critical stage with flood waters threatening another 5000 people near 18th Street. Already dikes have been built to heights of about 12 – 15 feet and floodwaters are approaching these levels. The Salvation Army in Brandon continues to make its way through the community serving food from their Mobile Canteen and are also positioned at the Flood Reception Centre where they continue to meet and greet all evacuees, providing them with snacks and refreshments, personal care kits as well as emotional and spiritual care. The Brandon Salvation Army units have been able to keep up with relief efforts, however The Salvation Army in Regina has been placed on alert just in case the situation gets worse and/or the existing response requires additional support.
Flood Reception Centre volunteers offering hope and comfort
Anyone wishing to financially support the efforts of The Salvation Army may do so online at www.salvationarmy.ca/floods2011 or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. People wishing to volunteer in the fight against the flood may contact the Brandon Salvation Army team at (204) 727-6271. For more information regarding The Salvation Army’s response to Brandon’s Flood of the Century, please call (204) 975-1002.
