You can help us help. Here’s how

November 19, 2021

Another disaster continues to unfold before us – on our television screens, through social media and firsthand accounts from friends and family. Of course, at times like this many feel a pull to help out in a real, tangible way, especially when it directly affects our neighbours and friends.

For the second time in five months, Sorrento Centre has opened up to those who have been forced out of their homes by climate disasters. We lovingly provide warmth, safety and support during a traumatic time in their lives. We feel blessed that we can help in a real and tangible way.

Last summer, Sorrento Centre welcomed families from the Falkland and Monte Creek area who were fleeing the White Rock Lake fire. This past week the Shuswap Emergency Program has been sending evacuees from the Merritt-area flooding here so we can provide them basic needs, accommodation and meals. The families, including some with pets, are warmly welcomed with typical Sorrento Centre hospitality as we help them settle in our apartments, lodge rooms and cabins.

They may be displaced temporarily, but for the next while they can rest assured, the team here at Sorrento Centre do all we can to make sure they are warm and dry and cared for. As we are in daily contact with emergency services, and we know we can anticipate more needing lodging and food in the coming days.

In addition to providing comfort to evacuees, we have provided tens of thousands of daily meals for people who are hungry in our region since the start of the pandemic. In recent days, we have been asked to increase the numbers to accommodate some of the evacuees from Merritt who are staying in Salmon Arm but have no meals. 
 
One big challenge for us is that our food deliveries to our kitchen have been slowed to a stop since the mudslides, etc. You may have also heard that there is panic-buying in our region, and there is literally no milk or dairy to be found, and very little of certain other items. Our food services staff are scrambling to identify alternative sources as we do not want to decrease the meals at a time when the number of hungry people is growing. 
 
Of course, increased demand will mean increased costs. We are grateful for the funding we receive, but not all the meals are covered. And the costs of food, fuel and so much more is skyrocketing – even as our staff team works seven days a week to prepare and deliver the meals.

We want to assure you, you can help us help. Here’s how:
1.   Use our secure credit card portal : www.sorrentocentre.ca/donate
2.   Mail a cheque to Sorrento Centre, PO Box 99, Sorrento, BC, Canada, V0E2W0
3.   Call our office at 250-675-2421 to arrange an e-transfer or with questions.

All donations will receive a tax receipt, and the money you send comes directly to Sorrento Centre within days so we can continue our boots-on-the-ground efforts to provide hospitality to those who need it most. Giving Tuesday is on November 30th, but we didn’t want to wait until then because really need your help now.
 
Thank you for your generosity to help us help. Please continue to keep the people and communities affected in your heart, your thoughts and your prayers – along with our beloved Centre.