Men, women and children from fire ravaged towns across B.C. are starting to trickle in to the Okanagan and are getting help at the Kelowna Salvation Army at Sutherland Avenue.
Emergency Social Services have set up a reception centre at the local Sally Ann, which is kicking in the space, food and water.
“We’ve been in since 11 a.m. and we’ve had people come from 100 Mile House, 108 Mile and Ashcroft,” said Patty Lou Bryant, communications co-ordinator for the Salvation Army.
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They’re expecting to offer assistance to at least 1,000 people over the upcoming days, given the air quality issues in some areas in the Cariboo as well as the fires.
Bryant stressed that those who have headed this way to be with friends and family in their hour of need should register regardless of whether or not they need special services.
“It gives them a list of where you are,” she said, adding that registration offers access to food, clothing and housing.
Bryant also said that she knows there are people in the community who will want to donate, but she’s requesting that they hold back.
“These people are nomadic right now,” she said, explaining that cash donations are best for the time being.
The Salvation Army at 1480 Sutherland Avenue (Sutherland and Burtch) has opened at 11am as the Emergency Social Services Reception Centre.
