Canadian Red Cross opens Recovery Centre
District of West Kelowna creates Recovery Committee to address needs
(July 24, 2009 – Kelowna, BC) Canadian Red Cross has opened a Recovery Centre to address the needs of those affected by the wildfires in the West Kelowna area. Red Cross is working on behalf of the District of West Kelowna to conduct in depth recovery needs assessments and provide any unmet basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
“Trained Red Cross caseworkers will meet with individuals and families and help them to understand their options as they prepare to return home and help formulate a personal recovery plan,” says Celine Calfa, Service Area Manager for the Southern Interior with the Canadian Red Cross.“We will work to provide for basic needs not already addressed through the assistance of governments, insurance companies and other agencies.”
The District of West Kelowna has formed a Community Recovery Committee made up of local stakeholders with assistance to provide, including the Red Cross.The committee will work to address the needs of residents within the community.
Residents who have been evacuated and are now permitted to return home should contact the Canadian Red Cross at 778-797-8802 to make an appointment to see a Red Cross caseworker between 9:00am and 4:00pm.The Recovery Centre is located at the West Kelowna Community Complex at 2760 Cameron Road, adjacent to the Council Chambers.
The Canadian Red Cross has received support from its corporate partners to assists with the relief and recovery efforts in the wake of the fires. Walmart and RONA will continue to provide support and donations are currently being accepted at Walmart (Kelowna location), Save-On Foods and Coopers Foods locations. Donations can also be made online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or at your local Red Cross office.
-30-
For more information please contact:
Nathan Huculak
Canadian Red Cross
Kelowna.PublicAffairs@redcross.ca
250-859-3154
