In May 2023, the province of Alberta was struck by a devastating series of wildfires that ravaged communities and left a trail of destruction in their wake. To meet the pressing need for nourishment and relief, Salvation Army emergency disaster services (EDS) personnel quickly mobilized to provide food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to first responders and residents who were displaced or directly impacted by the wildfires.

“Our assistance takes worry away,” says Major Ben Lippers, divisional EDS director, Alberta and Northern Territories Division. “We will be here as long as needed. For some, we are the only source of food.”

Since May 9, The Salvation Army’s mobile canteens have been a familiar site on the front lines.

• At the Gift Lake Metis Settlement 275 people were served three meals a day.
• At the Peavine Metis settlement 175 firefighters are receiving two meals a day.
• At the East Prairie Metis Settlement, 175 people are receiving three meals a day, down from 300 when the fires first started.
• In Yellowknife, 300 meals a day are being served with the numbers expected to swell.

“It’s a blessing to see smiling faces when you give someone a warm meal,” says Lippers. Meals have included bacon and eggs, spaghetti and meat balls, chicken burgers and kabobs on rice.

“We will be here as long as needed.”

As power is being restored, more people are able to return home. But returning home won’t be easy. Homes may be affected by smoke and water damage. Canned food and medicines may be damaged by the heat. Food stored in the fridge or freezer will have soiled.

“The damage is often unknown until the homeowner returns,” says Major Lippers. “Even so, they are tired and just want to go home.”

In an attempt to provide normalcy and a sense of hope during a time of chaos and uncertainty, Salvation Army EDS personnel gave flowers out on Mother’s Day and baked a cake for a gentleman on his birthday.

“People say ‘thank you from the bottom of my heart,’ ” says Major Lippers. “All in all they can’t believe we are here unconditionally.”

Included in the EDS personnel are some who The Salvation Army has supported through their substance use recovery program in Edmonton.

“During our 18 months rehabilitation program we teach about nutrition, food handling and safety, and how to cook. Now people who have learned to take better care of themselves are sharing their skills in northern Alberta. Now that’s success.”

As Alberta continues to rebuild in the aftermath, The Salvation Army remains committed to serving those in need.

“Helping people during times of hardship is what the Army is all about,” says Major Lippers.