Devasting Fire hits Salvation Army

Some of my readers know this fact about me: I volunteer at the Salvation Army Food Bank twice a week. Yesterday the main depot that maintains our supply of food had a huge fire. Four million in food, clothing and toys are gone! These supplies would of been to help families in need in the GTA. There is an immediate need of FOOD…but where should you take it too. Your local depot is in need this week especially. You can find the one closest to you by checking out 211Toronto. Follow the links under foodbanks. If you are one of my far away readers and you are moved to help you can donate through the main Salvation Army site. Right now the need is for getting food to the local depots.

Toronto the Good??

A break from my usual frugal self. A few weeks ago here in Toronto there was a building collapse on the Danforth. Five apartments were destroyed. Several were left homeless and placed in Toronto’s awful shelter system. I can say it is bad because I have first hand experience with it. Last week there was a fire on Queen St..40 were left homeless. This time first stop was a hotel room at the Royal York. Facebook groups, charities, have quickly come to the aid of fire victims whereas support and aid for the homeless from the building collapse have been slow to come.

I know what little support they have gotten, and it has been limited but there has not really helped these families out. One remains in the shelter system, the others are now housed but in places that are practically empty, tools of the trade here too are gone, they have little and no insurance here either.So what should Torontoians do?

First we need better emergency service supports, with centralized help. In these cases churches like the Salvation Armyand others do help out, so does the Red Cross. But people like those from the collapse do fall through the cracks. We need a central office with trained teams that can really meet the needs after such an event. That way help can be tracked, referrals given when needed, and a help up given in times of crisis. Right now in my city it is a hodge podge with the left and right hands not really working together. This really needs to be streamlined.

But what do we do right now?

First immediate needs that I know for one of the families include  a crib, table and chairs, and tools of the trade( sewing machine) would be very appreciated as a 3 month old is part of this family.

Another single young person needs a clean inexpensive apartment as she is on disability.

If You can help with any of these needs email me at theluckycannuck@gmail.com . I know how to get it to them as I volunteer with one of the agencies in contact with the families.