Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services, Ian Pollard, was recently acknowledged for his outstanding work in emergency management and received an Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award. Ian was recognized in a ceremony held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for his efforts managing emergency disaster responses in 2021. The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable  […]

(Pictured above: City of Abbotsford Mayor Mr. Henry Braun and First Nations Emergency Support Society’s Dean Colthorp receiving their funding of $100,000 and $500,000 respectively from Lt. Colonel Jamie Braund) In the Winter of 2021, British Columbia declared a state of emergency as the Lower Mainland experienced the worst flooding to hit the region in  […]

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services immediately placed a humanitarian response to the conflict and war happening in Ukraine. We’re working with the local government, providing sanctuary and support, accommodation, and delivering essential items. Responding across Europe The Salvation Army has responded to the needs of refugees in all but two of the European countries  […]

This year, B.C. faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in our history. Communities in the Fraser Valley were devasted by floods that submerged farmlands, killed livestock in the thousands, washed away bridges, destroyed highways, and sadly claimed the lives of family members. The flood is the most costly disaster we have ever experienced  […]

In October 2018, John McEwan received the Marie Rogan Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Pacific Northwest Emergency Preparedness Society at the annual Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Conference. This award recognized John’s 15 years working with Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) as the Divisional Emergency Disaster Services Director, a title he took on after 15 years with  […]

With much of the northern hemisphere coping with high temperatures and long dry spells, wildfires are affecting communities from Greece right up to the Arctic Circle, claiming dozens of lives and damaging ecosystems, homes, livelihoods and infrastructures. The Salvation Army is responding in a variety of ways, according to local needs and in partnership with  […]

Each and every day of the year The Salvation Army Emergency Response units and their teams of volunteers are 'at the ready' to respond to emergencies and disasters of all kinds, often providing support and assistance long after the initial crisis has passed. In the early morning hours of Saturday January 14th, The Salvation Army  […]

Are you ready? Earthquakes, floods and fires are some of the potential emergency hazards in British Columbia. What will you do if services are disrupted and roads are closed? Having an emergency plan is like insurance- if you have one you will be prepared to cope. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity to highlight our  […]

The Salvation Army helps those in need in the Okanagan community every Christmas, but what many may not know is they also lend a helping hand throughout the entire year. Last summer, during the busy fire season in B.C., The Salvation Army put in more than 1,000 volunteer hours helping those impacted by the wildfires.During  […]

Hundreds of people fled an aggressive fire in British Columbia’s southern interior. Since the fire was reported last Thursday, August 13, The Salvation Army has provided relief assistance to first responders and evacuees. The evacuees say the flames were unlike anything they’d ever seen. "Literally the tree tops were bursting like bombs and falling down  […]