The Red Cross aids 61 affected by fire in Saint-Lambert

Topics: Quebec, Emergencies and Disasters in Canada
December 24, 2013

Last night, 61 people lost everything in a massive blaze that destroyed their 45-unit apartment building. The Saint-Lambert Red Cross volunteers were mobilized immediately and began by providing moral support, warm blankets, and personal comfort kits to those affected by the fire and who were going through a difficult time. The team then assessed each person’s needs and offered them Red Cross services such as lodging, food and emergency clothing for the next three days. “With only several days to go before Christmas, this is a devastating tragedy,” said Yvon Patry, one of the seven volunteer responders on site yesterday.

Red Cross volunteers are trained to provide emergency assistance and to guide those affected by disasters to the services they may subsequently need to return to normal life as soon as possible. During the holiday season when many services and offices are closed, it will be more difficult to access other support for those affected or even to find alternate accommodations quickly. Over the next few days, the Red Cross and the municipality will continue to assess families’ needs to ensure that the building’s 43 adults and 18 children receive the emergency assistance that they require.

Anyone wishing to support the Red Cross Disaster Services and help families affected by a disaster is encouraged to donate online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
 

Section Widgets