Even as Samaritan’s Purse continues to help operate the evacuation shelter at Tradex, the organization is transporting equipment and staff to Abbotsford to help residents with flooded homes.
A specially equipped Disaster Relief Unit (DRU) is on its way to Abbotsford and, once it arrives, Samaritan’s Purse will recruit and equip volunteers to clean damaged homes.
DRUs are tractor-trailers outfitted with disaster-recovery equipment including generators, pumps, hand tools, and safety gear for volunteers.
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They also serve as volunteer coordination centres and are equipped with a self-contained office, communications system, and other supplies.
The DRU will be based at Northview Community Church, 32040 Downes Rd. Anyone needing assistance can call 1-833-738-7743.
Anyone who wants to volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse in Abbotsford should visit SamaritansPurse.ca/BCvolunteer.
“We’ve had a lot of people eager to help, but not sure how,” said Jonathan Giesbrecht, executive pastor at Northview Community Church. “Disaster relief is what Samaritan’s Purse does, so this is a partnership made in heaven.”
Volunteers will receive an on-site orientation, and will serve with an experienced site leadership team.