On July 12, residents of Labrador West, N.L., were ordered to evacuate as wildfires threatened their safety. More than 10,000 people packed up and headed east to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., uncertain about where they would stay, what they would eat or when they could return home.

The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services (EDS) team stepped in to provide crucial support to evacuees and volunteers, offering food, clothing, and emotional and spiritual care.

“When we got the call that people were en route to our community, we activated right away,” says Major Kay Barnes, corps officer in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. “We started brewing coffee and preparing snacks so that when evacuees arrived late that night, they were greeted with a smiling face, snacks and a hot beverage.”

Michael Barry, EDS specialist and team lead, co-ordinated the efforts of 26 volunteers to ensure that all three shelters for evacuees received meals. According to Barry, one man arrived at a shelter with nothing but the clothes on his back and a backpack. “We were able to get him some clothes and a voucher to buy new clothing and toiletries,” says Barry. “We don’t know the situation people are facing, and we try to help.”

The volunteers, many of whom had never met before, quickly formed a cohesive unit. “We worked together as well as we could for a group of strangers, and we left as friends,” says volunteer Debbie Murley.

Jennifer Lowe, another volunteer, adds, “My team was exceptional, which made it so much easier. I feel like I made lifelong friends.”

In total, the EDS team served more than 13,360 meals during the 10-day evacuation, with strong support from community partners. The volunteers’ efforts extended beyond providing meals and practical support, as they also offered a listening ear and spiritual care.

Reflecting on the experience, Major Barnes says, “It’s been a learning experience, an eye-opener for me, and a time I will never forget. I believe God placed me here at the right time to help and support, and I realize that there’s always work to do in The Salvation Army, in any town or community you find yourself in.”