Vernon Emergency Social Services (ESS) have registered a total of 912 wildfire evacuees from the Williams Lake area since July 15, including eight new registrations yesterday. The ESS reception centre, located in the Dogwood Gym of the Vernon Recreation Centre, have also processed 510 service extensions; evacuees must check in weekly with ESS to extend services.
Evacuees can access donations from Vernon residents and businesses at the gym of the Salvation Army House of Hope (3303 32 Avenue, located behind Staples). Goods include toiletries, clothing, local produce and groceries, and other items. Please bring proof of registration from the ESS reception centre, which is located in the Dogwood Gym in the Vernon Recreation Centre.
The current evacuation order for the City of Williams Lake and the surrounding areas within the Cariboo Regional District remains unchanged.
Donations for evacuees continue to be accepted by the Salvation Army House of Hope. All donations (including clothing, food and monetary) should be dropped off from 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.
Please note that the Salvation Army cannot accept any food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen that has Food Safe designation.