The Salvation Army still requires the support of the community for its ongoing flood relief efforts in Yorkton.
"I can tell you that our costs are probably up around $30,000 so far, and our donations are probably a little over $20,000. So we're still looking for some more donations," says Roy Bladen, an envoy with the organization.
Between July 1 and 18, Bladen estimates that the Salvation Army has handed out about 300 food hampers. This is in addition to furniture, clothing, cleaning supplies, and other forms of aid.
"The best thing we can be given, of course, is a cheque or cash, because that enables us to zero in on exactly what we need for that particular day," Bladen explains. "The needs change every day. A week ago, it was clothing, clothing, clothing, and now it's food and furniture. And we expect the need for furniture to disappear in about a week, and then we'll be down to a lot of food."
The Salvation Army has shifted its furniture and clothing unit from the Parkland Mall into its Thrift Store on Betts Avenue. Food bank donations and pickup will continue to be handled at the mall for the indefinite future.
"Anybody that wishes to access furniture or clothing may do it by going to the Thrift Store, and if they qualify, they will not be buying the merchandise-it will be given to them," Bladen says.
Furniture-beds, dressers, tables, and other common items-can be donated in person at the Thrift Store. Residents with spare furniture can also call Bladen at 621-4449."I can put the client directly in touch with them and the client will go to their address and pick it up. We're doing that to cut out the middleman, because I just can't keep up with pickups and deliveries."
Food is another thing that is always welcome, Bladen adds. In particular, spreads and canned meats are in short supply.
Bladen and the Salvation Army volunteers are being pushed to their limits by the disaster, especially considering the church's own facilities were damaged in the flood."It's a very slow procedure. We have to make a list of everything we've lost, and we've lost an awful lot," says the envoy. "I don't know how long it's going to be [until the church reopens]."
Bladen was called out of retirement in Newfoundland to lead the relief effort in Yorkton."From retirement to this, there's a big difference."
