As many Canadians across the country deal with massive spring flooding, Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) teams have been mobilized to provide support.

EDS teams have been providing food, drinks and support to first responders, sandbaggers and evacuees during recent floods in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. In Kelowna, B.C., the local Salvation Army church is being used as a reception centre where those impacted can receive practical assistance. In Eastern Ontario, the Army is providing emergency food services, clothing provision and emotional and spiritual care at evacuation centres, as well as near incident sites in communities such as Ottawa, Minden Hills and Clarence-Rockland. And in Rigaud, Quebec, the Army is serving meals to first responders and volunteers doing the sandbagging, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support for those evacuated. Salvation Army response personnel remain on standby in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, should assistance be requested.

“The Salvation Army is committed to supporting responders, work crews and those impacted by floods all across Canada,” says Perron Goodyear, territorial director of emergency disaster services, Canada and Bermuda Territory. “Our EDS personnel have been working tirelessly and will continue to do so for as long as needed.”

Often assigned a specific role in emergency situations, the Army's established and well-rehearsed emergency protocols allow the organization to deliver fast, efficient service to first responders, as well as those directly impacted. The Salvation Army endeavours to ease human suffering wherever it is found and draws on a wide range of resources which rapidly shift into action when a disaster strikes.

To make a donation to support The Salvation Army's response efforts, visit salvationarmy.ca/emergency or armeedusalut.ca/urgence or call 1-800-Sal-Army.

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