EAST CENTRAL鈥� Cpt. Rick Robins, with the Salvation Army in Melfort and Tisdale, has asked people not to panic buy, and be smart throughout the pandemic.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 need to be panic buying toilet paper and panic buying all these things in the stores,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he trucks are still coming, the food is still coming. What happens when people panic buy, it really affects the people we鈥檙e supposed to look after and protect鈥� which is our venerable people in society."
The Salvation Army locations in Tisdale, Melfort and Nipawin have responded by the virus, by beining preparing ready-to-heat meals for those in the community who can鈥檛 afford it.
鈥淲e started with preparing individual meals for people in the Melfort area to get ready for when the need arises. We鈥檙e not quite at that point yet for the things that are going on, but we are making preparations to be ready.鈥�
Robins said that depending on how the situation unfolds, they are also looking at activating their mobile kitchen. The mobile kitchen serves to deliver food to areas.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really fluid right now. Depending on how things go will depend on what we can do. We鈥檙e working with Saskatchewan Health and follow their guidelines, rules and regulations to make sure we鈥檙e not spreading the virus as well.鈥�
The thrift stores have closed down for shopping, but remain open for family services. The Tisdale Salvation Army can be reached at 306-873-4643, the Melfort location can be reached at 306-752-3525, and the Nipawin location can be reached at (306) 862-5335.
Robins said the Salvation Army food banks are currently operating as normal, as of March 18.
