The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165 has become an 72 hour emergency shelter, providing food and lodging to people evacuated from the Hearthstone Manor after a water leak caused the building’s heat to go off.
Of the 200 people who were displaced from their homes, 40 registered at the makeshift emergency shelter, with 20 staying overnight on Monday and a dozen on Tuesday.
Pat Duggan president of the Legion, told MyMcMurray that after the wildfire the Legion became certified as an emergency displacement centre and partners with local emergency services to help serve the community.
“Our volunteers were there within 20 minutes of the call,” said Duggan. “Legions are here to support the community, not just veterans.”
The legion is also providing space for the Canadian Red Cross to help out the displaced residents as well as areas for counselling sessions.
Regular services at the legion will resume on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 at 6 p.m.
