The Salvation Army has been there throughout all kinds of disasters including the flood in 2013.

Lieutenant Chad Cole says it was out of that response that they were able to bring in donations to build a Community Emergency Response Unit to serve Foothills County.

"It's a fully inspected and licensed canteen trailer, so we can tow it behind our truck and bring it to the site of the disaster where we can prepare hot meals right there on the spot," he says. "It's got a commercial six-burner stove and oven, it's got a refrigerator, all stainless steel food safe surfaces so we can just go out and provide some nutrition, some hydration, whatever's required."

It's already been used to feed fire fighters at a grass fire and at training exercises and a public open house two years ago for Emergency Preparedness Week in High River.

He says they're now looking to bring in donations to build a four season building where it can be kept out of the harsher elements so it can be ready when needed.

"Part of the proposal when we were first hatching this idea was finding somewhere that was a sustainable and climate controlled location to provide both security for the unit, because it is a rather large investment and also keep it ready to go 365 days a year," Lieutenant Cole says. "We don't have to worry about freezing if we were to park it outside."

He says they want to build it on church property in their parking lot at 2 Avenue and 2 Street Southwest.

Lieutenant Cole says there'll be a collage of names inside the building recognizing everyone who's stepped up and donated, which can be done through the church.

 

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