Guest post by Guy Lepage, Red Cross volunteer
Gary Tinker did not know what to expect when he arrived at the Evraz shelter on July 1. He and his family had just spent nine hours on a bus ride from Pinehouse, Saskatchewan. Like the 1,500 residents from his community, he was given little time pack before leaving.
But he was worried the shelter would not be able to accommodate the special needs he and his son require. Tinker has cerebral palsy and his two-year-old son Tristan has autism.
When they arrived, they decided to check into a hotel because they were extremely tired and he felt the facility was not quite ready to handle his family’s special needs. For example, he said there was no grab bars in the showers.
“I knew they were stressed the first day,” says Tinker, “We did not want to bother them.”
When they returned the next day, Tinker says everything was in place for his family.
The Tinkers, evacuees from Pinehouse, at the Evraz Shelter.
“They figured it out and it has been great,” says Tinker. “Red Cross volunteers welcomed us with open arms. The nurses and the social workers and social services were great.”
Beverly Tinker says the hospitality she and her family have received from Red Cross volunteers has been overwhelming.
“I appreciate what every person had done. They have worked very hard for us and we are very grateful.”
The Canadian Red Cross provided assistance to some 10,000 people evacuated as a result of fires in northern Saskatchewan. This week, residents are returning home as evacuation orders have been lifted.