Sally Ann cancels programs, The Mission reduces hours

Mar 16, 2020 | 12:52 PM

UPDATE:

The Upper Room Mission has drastically slashed hours to stop social interaction during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a Facebook post Monday, The Mission said it will be open an hour for breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and one hour in the late afternoon for dinner at 3 p.m.

The statement says, “the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff is paramount to the Mission. Due to the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Mission will only be open during mealtimes. These measures are to ensure the safety of everyone who passes through our doors. Anyone who is feeling sick is asked to not access the Mission and seek medical attention. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Vernon’s Salvation Army says food donations are lower than normal as people hunker down and stay home due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

All of the charity’s local programs are cancelled for now.

In a release, the local Salvation Army-Vernon Food Bank said it was taking “necessary precautions” to keep all staff, volunteers, and guests safe and healthy.

They include:

1. Food hampers – Staff are moving to appointments only (no walk-in during the afternoons). If you need a food hamper, contact 250-549-4111 and speak to the receptionist.

“We will be experiencing higher than normal calls so please be patient as we do our best to accommodate all our guest,” Lt. Stefan Reid who runs the local food bank said.

2. Waiting Times – Clients are asked to arrive just five minutes prior to their appointment.

3. Food Reclaim and bread will not be available.

“We have seen lower than normal donations during this time,” Reid said.

However, speaking to Vernon Matters, Reid said they are continuing to receive some donations.

“We are appreciative that the community is continuing to support their local food bank,” he said. “We’ve moved to appointments only to make sure that we are keeping our community safe.”

4. Coffee will no longer be served to those dropping in.

5. Sickness – People experiencing any cold or flu symptoms are asked to stay home to prevent further spread of germs.

6. Programs – all programs are postponed until further notice. This includes: GROW, Building Blocks, Lunch with the Lord, Ready to Serve, Ladies Art Time and Youth Group.

7. Church Services – Sunday morning services will be streamed online on the Facebook page – The Salvation Army – Vernon.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but the health and well-being of our community is of the utmost important to us,” Reid said. “We remain committed to serving Vernon to the best of our ability and hopeful that full services will return as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its monthly Business After Five meeting.

The event was expected to take place tomorrow at the Vernon Golf and Country Club.

“It is regrettable as BA5 is always popular, but we believe cancellation is necessary given the ongoing concerns in the community,” the Chamber said in a press release.

The Chamber is currently reviewing its April events.

by Kate Bouey

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