COVID-19 REPORT British Columbia Division
Statement from Leadership an essential service we are continuing to serve 60 communities across the province. Pandemic plans came into effect to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, clients, community members while continuing to help. Throughout British Columbia, ministry units adapted and modified their programs to make sure we are meeting the growing demand for our services. Several Shelters partnered with various Health Authorities to find additional housing for the homeless, shelter rooms and common areas were configured to practice safe social distancing for their clients. Quarantine rooms were established for those showing symptoms. Social distancing prevented dine in community meals service so take away meals were provided instead. Our Food Banks and Feeding Programs saw an increase in food insecurity due to layoffs, work force reductions and school closures. Their ability to purchase food was greatly diminished with the Thrift Stores closures as they are a source of income. Volunteer engagement decreased which resulted in some programs and services being reduced, suspended, or eliminated. Ministry units developed innovative ways to support and maintain physical and mental well being of staff and clients. Counselling Programs transitioned from person to person to online or telephone sessions. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has affected millions of lives with 7,238,768 cases globally, 97,114 in Canada and 2,669 in British Columbia. The measures taken to curb the spread have impacted communities throughout British Columbia. A state of emergency was declared; people were required to stay at home, nonessential businesses and schools began to shutter. During these unprecedented times, we experienced fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, and uncertainty. British Columbia has shed more than 353,000 jobs since the pandemic began. Covid19 hit financially, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically as well. Isolation and physical distancing measures have been challenging for individual and organizations. The Salvation Army of BC took on that challenge head on to ensure that we are here and still serving. Considered
Due to Covid19, we were able to serve those in the community who are new to the Salvation Army for the first time; those experiencing food insecurity because of layoffs or business and school closures. Families who were dependent on school food programs no longer had that resource and turned to the Salvation Army for help. Together we will navigate these challenging and unprecedented times with a unity of purpose to provide support and give hope to those in need. Blessings,
Lt. Colonel Jamie Braund Divisional Commander The Salvation Army, British Columbia Division
COVID-19 Report | salvationarmy.ca
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Food for Life The Salvation Army’s Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) Victoria, B.C. In Victoria the number of people unable to afford a place to live increases every day, significantly more so since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “People without homes are sleeping in parks, beside trees and in forest clearings, feeling helpless, lonely, and unsure where their next meal is coming from”. – Major Sheldon Feener, Executive Director Victoria ARC In order to meet the increased demand, Victoria ARC put forth a Food For Life program, ensuring people in need in their community were fed and hydrated. This was done with the help of their mobile feeding unit, a 34-foot-long Freightliner outfitted with a commercial kitchen. This community response unit (CRU) was manned by staff and volunteers, roving throughout the community twice a day every day, to the areas densely populated by the homeless. This program was made possible in part thanks to the donations received from the Victoria Rapid Relief Fund, initiated by Times Colonist with the Jawl family, and the Victoria Foundation. Our Emergency Disaster Service’s CRU is designed to support evacuees and first responders during catastrophic
events, with the ability to feed up to 1,000 people every hour; while on standby for other emergencies like floods and fires, during the COVID-19 emergency this unit was worth its weight in gold, serving approximately 600 meals every day to the community’s most vulnerable population. Prior to the pandemic, ARC was serving 300 meals three days per week, the need grew to serving a staggering 600 meals seven days per week. The success of this program was attributed to the incredible staff, volunteers and leadership, as well as the generosity and compassion from the community through food donations and financial support. During the months of April 2020 to June 2020, over 26,400 meals were served throughout downtown Victoria, totaling 2,600 hours both from staff and volunteers. “We know we are making a difference in people’s lives when we pull in with our truck and see the relief in their eyes knowing they won’t go to sleep hungry tonight”. – Jeffrey Baergen, Program Manager Victoria ARC
Highlights from Around the Province: Blessing Boxes
The Salvation Army Comox Valley Comox Valley, B.C. A special lifeline during this pandemic in the Comox Valley was the Blessing Boxes being given out by Comox Valley Ministries. Personalized and tailored to suit the individual or family, these boxes included perishable and non-perishable food items. Boxes for children included craft supplies, games, snacks and instruction of online events. And boxes for seniors included Our Daily Bread, and Faith and Friends magazines, along with favorite food items and personalized notes of encouragement from pastors. These Blessing Boxes quickly became a town favorite, especially with the senior population who had little contact with their families due to restrictions on gatherings, and with Army staff who had been temporarily laid off from employment.
New Partnership
The Salvation Army Powell River Powell River, B.C. Amidst the bad, some good came out of this world-wide crisis. Powell River Salvation Army made a new community partnership with Tla’Amin Nation, one of the many Indigenous Coast Salish tribes. The response was great, serving up to 130 hot meals twice a week in the evenings to those in need in their small community of 1100 members. With this new partnership came responsibility to maintain these efforts into the future, and we look forward to seeing this grow in the coming months and years. “We are thankful for the opportunity to reach out and make community connections that we would not have made otherwise”. – Major Rosanne Fraser, The Salvation Army Powell River
Youth Activities, Surprises to Families The Salvation Army Ocean Crest Campbell River, B.C.
It was a struggle to help children adapt to the new realities of what days looked like during the COVID-19 pandemic; limitations and restrictions were hard to understand. Ocean Crest Ministries in Campbell River helped with this. They delivered surprises to the doors of youth in their community with the famous ‘knock, drop and run’ method. These included home baked cookies, fun activity kits and surprises for special occasions, like birthdays. They also hosted weekly online events to stay connected with the children and youth in their community, such as church, social events, escape rooms, and movie nights with snacks delivered to their doors.
Milk for Kids Program
The Salvation Army Alberni Valley Port Alberni, B.C. With so many people that struggled due to COVID-19 lay-offs and loss of employment, Alberni Valley Corps. continued to take care of their community, especially young families. In Port Alberni close to 30 families were able to register for their Milk For Kids program; providing one litre of milk per week per child. Every week 80 litres of milk was handed out to those in need. The Feeding Program also saw a large increase in demand, serving over 500 meals per day. In fact, in order to accommodate the need, one of the Army’s mobile feeding trucks (CRU) had to be borrowed from another community. For senior clients and those who couldn’t make it to us, we made it to them; home deliveries saw an increase in need from every two days to every day, totaling a 60% increase. COVID-19 Report | salvationarmy.ca
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New Community Partnership, Back to School Program Kelowna Community Church & Ministries Kelowna, B.C. During these times many organizations formed new partnerships, in order to stand strong together. Seeing the need in their community, this was the case for Kelowna Community Church & Ministries and Kelowna Gospel Mission. In March 2020, they teamed up to share resources, staff and volunteer time. Together they prepared and served up to 120 evening meals every day, seven days a week. Seeing an increased need in the neighbouring community of Rutland, their reach grew to also providing a lunch service five days a week to help those who may not have eaten otherwise that day. Physically distanced face to face check ins were able to take place with staff and the Case Management team when clients received their meals and pre-packed food hampers. “Staying connected, lending a listening ear and simply being asked how are you doing today, goes a long way in times like these”. – Captain Darryl Burry, Lead Pastor / Executive Director, Kelowna Community Church & Ministries Hearing a decrease within the community of organizations holding their annual Back to School programs, the Army in Kelowna, together with longtime community partner,
SERVICE NEEDS Mar 2019 vs Mar 2020
Apr 2019 vs Apr 2020
+73%
+39%
Staples Canada, stepped up to offer more assistance to offset some of the increased demand. In 2019, 160 backpacks filled with supplies were given to middle and high school students in need vs 2020, where they prepared 300 backpacks filled with supplies. “The increased need due to COVID-19 was staggering to see on paper. Thanks to the support of the community, and the dedication of our teams willing to work on the frontlines, we were able to meet this demand head on”. – Captain Darryl Burry, Lead Pastor / Executive Director, Kelowna Community Church & Ministries
Highlights from Around the Province: Family Fun Night at Home Kamloops Salvation Army Kamloops, B.C.
In Kamloops The Salvation Army helped to pass the COVID-19 time with Family Fun Night at Home Bags. During the Spring months, every other week, families looked forward to picking up their Family Fun Night bag, containing all the ingredients to make a meal together, as well as an activity and a craft. And when Summer hit the Youth Group at Home Bags started; a snack, an activity / craft and a link to a Bible lesson all helped keep youth engaged. Plus add in an outdoor family night with BBQ’d hot dogs, crafts and a devotional in August. Community members were appreciative for the Army’s resourcefulness in keeping everyone entertained and their minds busy, helping to forget lock down was happening.
CRU’s Mobile Feeding
The Salvation Army Vernon Ministries and Community Food Bank Vernon, B.C. In Vernon with the temporary closing of the soup kitchen cafeteria due to pandemic restrictions, the local Salvation Army went mobile to fill the gap. Their Community Response Unit (CRU), equipped with a kitchen and a team of six dedicated volunteers, was set up in the parking lot from April to June, ready with prepared lunches every day, serving up to 100 meals; helping to feed and hydrate their most vulnerable population. The same team prepared meals for a partnering agency who delivered throughout the community for those unable to leave their residences. In July the soup kitchen reopened with meals twice a day, relieving the lunch service in the parking lot. During this time Street Packs were created and distributed daily, which included non-perishable, no preparation required food items with fresh dairy, deli and produce from the Food Recovery Program. The increased demand in services was significant, in fact four times the typical numbers. “We want to continue to give hope to those who need it and ensure the most vulnerable in our community are served, pandemic or not”. – Auxiliary-Lt Jen Thompson, Corps Ministry Unit Leader, Vernon Community Church
Grab and Go
The Salvation Army Penticton Penticton, B.C. To meet the increased demand while following safety guidelines to eliminate gatherings and crowding The Salvation Army Food Bank in Penticton created a Grab and Go program; this allowed clients to stop by and easily grab their bags and go, avoiding extended contact. In these bags were fresh produce, deli, dairy, baked items and other foods. This program was available for anyone in need, and in fact saw well over 100 clients every weekday.
COVID-19 Report | salvationarmy.ca
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Canucks Food Donation The Salvation Army’s Vancouver Harbour Light Vancouver, B.C. During the unprecedented times of COVID-19, Vancouver Harbour Light partnered with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, the Aquilini family and Toptable Group. Over a three-month period, over 2,000lbs of perishable food was donated to those in need through The Salvation Army and Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Made by the Canucks staff, over 1,000 individual bagged lunches were handed out to the most vulnerable in the Downtown Eastside.
treatment. This required our staff and health care teams there to get creative in keeping 40 minds occupied during this time. Tablets were loaned and wifi was boosted, enabling these men to spend some time connecting with their families and taking conference calls with their counsellors. And because it was Easter time, everyone had their fill of chocolate. Thanks to the creativity of the staff and the resilience of the clients, a devastating situation was avoided.
“With our restaurants closed, we hope that with this donation we can play a small part in alleviating the stress of when someone’s next meal will come”. – Michael Doyle, President of Toptable Group
A funeral during this time was not ideal due to restrictions large gatherings, but there were in fact three funerals in a three-month period. Typically, the chapel is packed with people as they grieve and celebrate those lost. However, with restrictions on the number of people together at one time, this was a challenge, but it was made to work. Tablets were lent, live streams were available on computers and cellular phones, ten people were in the boardroom, and minimal people in the chapel.
Due to pandemic restrictions, the usual hot buffet style meal was not available for their clients, so this donation helped to fill that void immensely. There was a two-week period of COVID-19 lockdown time that required self-isolation across B.C.; over 40 men, early in their recovery, endured this at Vancouver Harbour Light. Unfortunately, isolation is one of the worst stressors that could happen to those undergoing the early stages of
With losses of clients and staff members, grieving and celebrating is an important tool to say goodbye, and thankfully again with the resourcefulness of the staff this was able to happen on these occasions.
Highlights from Around the Province: Physical Distancing Expansion Shelter The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries Maple Ridge, B.C.
In effort to alleviate some of the crowding and pressure of COVID-19 on shelter clients and staff, Ridge Meadows Ministries along with BC Housing received government approval to open a temporary 25 bed physical distancing Expansion Shelter in May 2020. By moving 25 existing clients to the Expansion Shelter and keeping the remaining 35 clients in the main shelter, it allowed for safe physical distancing. With staff on site 24/7 to support clients, and being fully equipped with individual spaces, daily meals, access to showers, washroom facilities and hand washing stations, all aided in the health and safety of clients, volunteers and staff. In terms of self-isolation and reducing risk, this proved to be a viable option and could be used for the province in the future. “It’s extremely hard to self-isolate, practice physical distancing and proper hygiene routines when you do not have a home. We are thankful to be able to help everyone and anyone who needs it”. – Mark Stewart, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries
COVID-19 Relief Hampers & Special Deliveries to Seniors Boundless Vancouver - The Salvation Army Family Services Vancouver, B.C.
Boundless Family Services in Vancouver turned their Free Food Market into COVID-19 Relief Hampers when they found a significant increase in single parents needing assistance after being laid off or having reduced hours due to the pandemic. The Relief Hampers provided essential non-perishable pantry staples such as pasta, canned foods, rice, soup, oats. Over a 12-week period, with the help of numerous community partners, over 65 people were served daily, handing out packages to families and individuals in need. Special deliveries to seniors were made a priority, those who were unable to leave their house due to risk and health factors. “The food we receive at Boundless Vancouver is all that keeps us going right now as we are not working. The kindness everyone shows takes my shame and embarrassment away”. – Anonymous thankful client at Boundless Family Services
Food Hampers
The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope Langley, B.C. In Langley, Gateway of Hope saw many new faces and families, requiring their Food Hamper program to be grown; increasing from 15 hampers per day to close to 25 hampers per day. The call had been answered for families and individuals struggling to put food on their tables. Clients expressed their thanks, not only for receiving much needed food, but also for having maintained a human connection during this time – which was vital, helping to providing hope, comfort and support. “We are providing a much-needed lifeline for those struggling with food insecurity due to reduced hours or loss of employment with COVID-19”. – Emmy Skates, Executive Director, Gateway of Hope.
COVID-19 Report | salvationarmy.ca
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Emotional Support The Salvation Army Prince Rupert Prince Rupert, B.C. Imagine being homeless, feeling dejected, scared and lonely with no understanding of the big changes happening around you. Without access to social media, tv or radio this would be the case for anyone. This was in fact the case for many in Prince Rupert. Businesses closing, people wearing masks, and people lined up outside of the grocery store waiting to get in. With over 200 clients being served meals every day, the local Salvation Army recognized their stress and anxiety and to alleviate this the Ministry turned on the news channel so clients could be better informed. This coupled with bulletin board updates, and staff and volunteers taking the time to speak with clients helped immensely. They were thankful to be heard and included, which eased their concern.
“A lot of our clients were angry, feeling forgotten and left out, this was just a small way to help with that”. – Lt. Sabrina Silvey, Corps Officer / Pastor, Trail Salvation Army To follow pandemic protocol Food Bank hampers that were previously picked up now had to be delivered. It was a true blessing in disguise; they came across people in need, mostly seniors, who couldn’t reach out because they were shut ins. They quickly became part of the schedule and the Army quickly recognized the silent need within their community. This is a work in progress and a goal to continue to build this program even after COVID-19, specifically aimed at seniors and those who are unable to leave their house.
Highlights from Around the Province: Hope Heart Health Challenge The Salvation Army Prince George Prince George, B.C.
To help with a break from pandemic news, in April 2020 Prince George Salvation Army decided to spread some positive news happening within their town. The Hope Heart Health Challenge encouraged the community to post videos and pictures on Facebook and challenge their friends to do the same, showing an act of hope and heart aimed towards the community or a healthy practice. With lawn signs and banners leading the way, the response was heart-warming with over 50 individuals and groups taking part, giving a sense of belonging, and lifting others up. “Seeing the community come together in a time of need, supporting their neighbour, their friend, their family by sharing a positive piece of their life gives me hope for the future”. – Major Neil Wilkinson, The Salvation Army Prince George
Pick Up Window
The Salvation Army Trail Trail, B.C. To help ease burden on struggling families, The Salvation Army in Trail rose to the challenge of growing numbers and new faces. Increased lunch boxes for individuals and families, serving up to 70 people daily, were available through their pick-up window, along with food hampers, helping the well-being and safety of our clients as well as our staff. A delivery service was also offered for seniors who were unable to leave the house. Into the future the possibility of the pick-up window will continue, along with an eat-in option because of its popularity.
Traditional Food Donations The Salvation Army Fort St. John Fort St. John, B.C
With the growing number of individuals and families that needed assistance during this time, a few generous community partners and businesses increased their support, stepping up to help The Salvation Army Food Bank in Fort St. John in their time of need. Specialty food for some, but traditional food to the region and North, meats such as bear, moose, deer, goat, and elk were donated. All year long our Food Bank works closely with the Conservation Officer Service and holds a license under the Wildlife Act, allowing game-meat to be given to persons in need. We feel fortunate to have donors that reflect the Army’s values and the values in our community. “Receiving food that my family grew up eating, makes mealtimes feel like I’m back at Grandmas”. – Anonymous thankful client at The Salvation Army Fort St. John
School Lunch Program Continues The Salvation Army Nelson Nelson, B.C.
In Nelson even though the remaining months left in the school year were cancelled, the School Lunch program was still needed more than ever given the pandemic and employment circumstances. In fact, this program continued and turned into Summer Maintenance. With the partnership of generous community members and businesses, this program was able to feed not only the school aged children but the entire family. Starting April 2020, every second Thursday families picked up their Summer Maintenance Box. COVID-19 Report | salvationarmy.ca
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