THUNDER BAY – In the wake of this week’s devastating storms United Way wishes to commend the Quality of Life Network for the important work they are doing to help people in our community and demonstrating how we are all working together to help make change start here. There is going to be a lot of assistance needed to help people now and moving forward as they assess the impact of the flood. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the flood and our thanks goes to all that are reaching out to help their fellow citizens in this difficult time.
The Quality of Life Networks is comprised of United Way and its’ 28 Funded Agencies. Many of the services offend during this time are made possible in part by your donations to United Way. Examples of the work being done by these agencies, their staff and volunteers, include:
St. John Ambulance – Thunder Bay Branch is providing rubber gloves and cleaning supplies for use in clean up efforts. This agency is also on stand-by should their emergency/first aid services be needed.
CNIB has a food, clothing and household item drive going on for the flood victims. Staff are also assisting people affected by the floods in their clean up.
Thunder Bay & Area Victim Services is a member of the going door to door in the affected areas. We also have a person in place at the EMO unit on Pacific Ave.
Ontario March of Dimes staff has joined in existing activities taking place within our community to provide support to those in need. In addition, they have raised funds internally and collected supplies such as water, personal care items and food to bring to command centers as they are charged with coordinating distribution to those in need.
Our Kids Count is currently cooking at their Westfort site and bringing food and fruit to the Salvation Army as directed by the command centre. Once they get the go ahead that our space can be reopened, they will be providing kitchen space and food for families. They do have fridge and freezer space for a few families to access on a first come basis.
CAM Clothing Assistance has free clothing available to flood victims.
Thunder Bay Counselling Centre will be providing counselling services at St. Peters Church starting Monday June 4th. The times are still be worked out.
Thunder Bay Counselling Centre and Children’s Centre Thunder Bay will also have their Walk-In Counselling Clinic available to anyone impacted by the floods on Wednesday June 8th from 12-6:30.
Evergreen a United Neighbourhood has been connecting and communicating information to the community. They have also hosted neighbourhood events, fed people and hosted a street hockey tournament for area youth. These efforts help people have some fun for a bit and take their minds off the disaster
Canadian Red Cross Society of Thunder Bay is one of the lead agencies in the flood relief. They are conducting home to home assessments in order to provide direct aid to those affected. Red Cross is also taking donations through their Thunder Bay Flood Appeal. You can donate by calling 1-800-418-1111
If you have been affected by the flood and don’t know where to turn for help please call 2-1-1 where a local operator can take your call and direct you to services are available.