248 evacuees arrive

Photo: City of Vernon

Councillor Juliette Cunningham and Mayor Akbal Mund speak with (R) Luana Kaleikini, ESS coordinator.

Evacuees have been arriving in Vernon from Williams Lake and other areas affected by wildfires in the Cariboo region.

The city's Emergency Social Services (ESS) has registered 248 evacuees in two days. Over 100 arrived on Sunday.

At this time, all of the evacuees are being billeted by friends or family in the area.

However, for those who need accommodation, two group lodging sites have been established at the Vernon Curling Rink and the Civic Arena.

The ESS reception centre has been relocated to the Dogwood Gym in the Vernon Recreation Centre at 3310 37 Avenue. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Red Cross Services are onsite to register evacuees. Evacuees can also register with the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582.

Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who toured the facilities for evacuees, has praised the quick response to the crisis by city staff and volunteers.

"In two hours they had set up the cots at the curling rink. In less than two hours, they had set up the Civic Arena," Cunningham told council. "I am impressed with the professionalism of City of Vernon staff and volunteers."

Donations for evacuees are being accepted by the Salvation Army House of Hope at 3303 32 Avenue. All donations, including clothing, food and cash, can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please specify that the donation is for fire relief when dropping off items to ensure they are directed toward evacuees. The Salvation Army cannot accept any food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.

The City has received a large number of offers to volunteer from Vernon residents.

“We have had a tremendous response from people wanting to help,” said Luana Kaleikini, ESS coordinator. “From the moment we put out a call asking for help, we’ve had people show up to begin setting up cots in group lodging or offer experienced help in providing support to people under great stress from force evacuations. I’m overwhelmed at the generosity of this community.”

Those interested in volunteering are asked to email [email protected] with a completed volunteer form available on the City’s website, or pick up a volunteer package at city hall.