The Estevan Salvation Army is helping residents affected by the flooding in the Estevan area.
Major Heather Harbin said they have been supplying furniture, household goods and food hampers to those in need ever since more than 125 millimetres of rain (about five inches) was recorded in many parts of Estevan on July 10.
While the Salvation Army hasn’t been as busy as they expected, they have still had steady traffic come into their building, looking for help.
“We’re prepared if anybody needs anything, then they just come and see us,” said Harbin. “Whatever we have, they’re welcome to have.”
They have had some requests for mattresses, which is a challenge for the Salvation Army, since they don’t carry many mattresses. And they’re hesitant to issue a call for mattress donations, since they don’t have the storage space available.
“But people are so generous,” said Harbin.
The requests for food hampers have placed an added strain on the Salvation Army’s food bank. The increase in demand for the food bank’s services over the last couple of years has been well-documented. Their shelves have been depleted, and summer is a slow time for donations.
“When people are moving to new places, or getting other places temporarily, they need some food,” said Harbin.
She’s not sure whether the Salvation Army will see more flood victims accessing their services. It might depend on whether Estevan receives more rain. But she wouldn’t be surprised if the demand goes up, as more people become aware of the services the Salvation Army has for victims.
