Sydney, N.S., saw record snowfall in February when a multiple-day winter storm dropped more than 150 centimetres. The Salvation Army responded by providing spiritual and emotional support, and packing and distributing emergency food hampers in partnership with Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and the Provincial Incident Management Team.

With people trapped in their homes, access to food became an issue. Emergency food hampers, including bread, milk, eggs and produce, were co-ordinated and packed by community and family services staff and food bank volunteers at The Salvation Army in Sydney. Over the course of four days after the storm, a total of 140 hampers were distributed.

“With the amount of snow, helicopters and snowmobiles were used to transport the boxes,” says Priya Shankar, community and family services worker. “It was an incredible experience working with CBRM and our community partners to get people the food and services they needed.”

Volunteers were also quick to check on the Sydney Community Church building following the storm. “Our volunteers, many without cars, were taking tunnel paths to get to our location and help clear exits so we could get into the building,” says Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle, community ministries officer.

“Our volunteers, many without cars, were taking tunnel paths to get to our location and help clear exits so we could get into the building.” - Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle

In addition to food hampers, The Salvation Army partnered with the Red Cross to provide meals, clothing support and spiritual and emotional care for 60 seniors who were displaced from Silver Birch Manor. It is suspected that heavy snow added stress to propane lines, which resulted in an explosion at the independent living complex. More than 150 meals were served by Salvation Army emergency disaster services volunteers and thrift store staff, led by retired officer Major Marie Osborne-Keeping.

In late February, a reception was held in Glace Bay, N.S., to thank local first responders for their services after the storm. The event was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who thanked everyone for their service. “This community takes care of each other and it is so inspiring to see and be a part of,” says Lieutenant Durdle.