FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Salvation Army Okanagan Central Provides Meals, Clothing, and Support to Evacuees Affected by three local Wildfires
CENTRAL OKANAGAN, B.C. (August 9, 2026) – The Salvation Army Okanagan Central is providing meals, clothing, emotional support, and practical assistance to individuals and families displaced by ongoing wildfires in the region while also supporting frontline firefighting crews.
The organization is currently on Day 9 of its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) response, serving communities impacted by both the Quilpituk & Bradley Creek wildfires on Westside Road and the Bald Range wildfire affecting Peachland and Summerland.
Since August 1, Salvation Army staff and volunteers have been serving evacuees at the muster centre located at the Lions Community Centre in West Kelowna, providing refreshments, snacks, emotional and spiritual care, and practical assistance. To date we have served over 2400 snacks at the muster centre.
This weekend, teams have been preparing and serving approximately 200 meals at breakfast, lunch, and supper for evacuees, while continuing to provide coffee, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Meals have also been provided to firefighters over the past several days. Salvation Army’s staff and volunteers have served over 1500 meals so far.
The Salvation Army has distributed clothing to many evacuees through its thrift store operations. Special thanks are extended to the Rotary Club of West Kelowna and Living Hope Church for supplying new socks and underwear to those displaced by the wildfires, and the many other local churches that have reached out to offer support.
Local businesses have also stepped up to support response efforts. The Salvation Army gratefully acknowledges donations from Tim Hortons, 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar, Save-On-Foods, the Central Okanagan Food Bank, The Hatching Post, Kelly O'Bryan's West Kelowna, COBS Bread, Xia Yan, and the Naked Café. Restaurants interested in donating meals are encouraged to contact Grace Absolom, Community Engagement Manager, at grace.absolom@salvationarmy.ca.
As needs evolve, The Salvation Army remains prepared to provide additional support during this incredibly difficult time for thousands of community members.
Community members are understandably eager to support and we want to encourage anyone wishing to donate clothing or items to take them to our Salvation Army Thrift stores, where we have the capacity to manage donations and make them available to evacuees through shopping vouchers, where they can pick out the items they need most. Donations of clean, used clothing are accepted at Salvation Army thrift stores Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Financial donations can also be made online to support evacuees as recovery efforts continue in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We will accept gift cards for evacuees at two Salvation Army locations. These can be dropped off in Westbank at the Community Services Office – 3531 Old Okanagan Highway or in Kelowna at the Salvation Army Okanagan Central Community Church – 1480 Sutherland Ave.
For more information about daily needs for evacuees, please keep an eye on our Facebook page where we post information frequently @The Salvation Army Okanagan Central.
The Bald Range wildfire has resulted in the evacuation of more than 20,000 residents from Peachland and Summerland. These are our neighbours, and The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting those affected wherever there is a need.
"Our focus right now is making sure evacuees know they are not facing this alone," said Captain Jennifer Henson, Officer and Pastor at The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "We have been there since the first day of evacuations and we are committing to journeying with folks impacted by the fires, for as long as it takes.
Every meal served, every snack donated, and every act of kindness reflects the strength of our community coming together to support neighbours during a very difficult time."
"When people are forced from their homes, the uncertainty can be overwhelming," said Captain Rob Henson, Officer and Pastor at The Salvation Army Okanagan Central. "What we are witnessing is neighbours helping neighbours in meaningful ways. Churches, community members, businesses, service clubs, volunteers, and partner agencies are all finding ways to support those affected. It is a reminder that in challenging times, the Okanagan responds with compassion, generosity, and care."
While emergency response needs are immediate, support for evacuees often continues long after evacuation orders are lifted as individuals and families work to recover and rebuild.
Financial donations can be made securely online at www.okanagancentralsalvationarmy.ca, by visiting The Salvation Army's main office at 1480 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, or by calling 250-860-2329. Salvation Army Thrift Stores are located in Rutland at 200 Rutland Road S, Unit #2, and in Westbank at 3531 Old Okanagan Hwy #100
About The Salvation Army Okanagan Central
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction; long-term care and palliative care; Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps, and school nutrition programs for children and youth; and life-skills classes such as budgeting, cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
The Salvation Army Okanagan Central provides practical assistance, compassionate support, and community-based programs that help individuals and families overcome hardship and build brighter futures. Through Hope 4 Kids, The Salvation Army works to ensure children and youth have access to opportunities that support healthy development and long-term success.
Media Contact
Grace Absolom
Community Engagement Manager
The Salvation Army Okanagan Central
P: 250-860-2329
C: 778-581-7683
E: grace.absolom@salvationarmy.ca
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