White Rock Lake wildfire. (Submitted photo/BC Wildfire Service)

By Pete McIntyre

Outpouring of support to help fire evacuees in Vernon

Aug 6, 2021 | 11:55 AM

The City of Vernon has seen a huge response to a request for more volunteers to help wildfire evacuees at the city’s emergency reception centre.

The city said Friday there has been an outpouring of support, with some residents expressing an enthusiastic desire to volunteer.

“The City of Vernon would like to thank everyone who has expressed interest in volunteering at the Vernon ESS [emergency social services] Reception Centre,” a city news release stated.

City staff are processing applications as quickly as possible and will be prioritizing applicants who have skills and availability that best suits the needs of the reception centre and the evacuated residents who have been directed to register in Vernon.

“Out of respect for evacuees, fellow volunteers and city staff, we kindly ask that volunteer applicants remain patient and wait for staff to contact them with further instructions,” the news release said.

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“We recognize that we live in a community of compassionate and caring people, always quick to jump in and provide help and support where needed,” said Christy Poirier, communications manager with the city. “While there is a need for help and support at the Vernon ESS Reception Centre, it is vitally important that staff properly process volunteer applications and then provide the appropriate volunteer training in order to provide the necessary help and support for evacuees.”

If you are interested in volunteering, an on-online application can be submitted at vernon.ca/ess. If you have a specific skill set you could offer the ESS program, please indicate this on your application form.

All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and vetted and necessary training will be provided.

A variety of volunteer positions are available through the ESS program including data entry, registration of evacuees, preparation of service referrals, and program support.