Emergency Support Services Volunteer Storm Response

The Emergency Support Services team of dedicated volunteers was handed its most challenging task to date and came through it with flying colours. Along with countless other volunteers, first responders, caring family members, neighbours and commercial operations, the community was taken care of.

ESS opened and ran a Reception Centre at the Legion on Windstorm Thursday, sheltering and comforting more than 80 islanders in the dark, for more than 10 hours until 10 pm.

Starting the next day - Friday through the following Thursday (7 days), ESS opened and ran a Warming Centre at the Seniors Centre, kindly made available to us by that organization. We registered, warmed and charged up on average, more than 50 people a day. The centre then moved for Days 8, 9 and 10 to the Library Program Room. The centre transitioned from a Warming Centre into a Recovery Centre making water, power and the internet available to those still in need.

For eleven days, the ESS volunteers met the challenge. We are so proud to be part of a community that steps in and asks - “What can I do to help?” when an emergency like the Windstorm blows through the island. Thank you to all those who helped out and a special thanks to those who signed up to join our team in being prepared for future emergencies on Salt Spring.

Salt Spring really is a wonderfully caring community to be part of – Thank you Salt Spring!

Neva Hohn and Wendy Rosier
ESS Deputy Directors

If you are interested in joining our team please send an email to ssiepc@crd.bc.ca

January 2, 2019 10:13 PM