For those in Lethbridge unable to take shelter from the heat this summer, local agencies have partnered up to ensure bottled water is available to community members.
For the fifth consecutive year, you’re encouraged to make donations of bottled water or a financial donation to Interfaith Food Bank or Lethbridge Food Bank to be shared through food share programs that serve the outreach teams on the frontlines, as water distribution partners.
Partners expect to collectively distribute well over 10,000 litres of water this summer. The City-Wide Water Drive runs now until Aug. 31
Distribution Partners include outreach teams from Community Links, the Downtown BRZ, Streets Alive, Sage Clan Patrol, Diversion Outreach or DOT, the Canadian Mental Health Association, MyCityCare and Recovery Alberta.
Interfaith Executive Director Danielle McIntyre says Lethbridge has a population in the city that has difficulty getting out of the heat. “We’re working collectively with multiple agencies.”
“It’s so nice to see so many local agencies working together to streamline the process of getting the bottles of water in and out to those who really can’t get out of the heat. One of the things we try to encourage is the use of the water fountains available throughout the city. We’re hoping people will reuse the bottles distributed. If they don’t have containers, we will have them right there ready,” McIntyre explains.
According to McIntyre, the outreach teams will be out in the community walking, driving or circulating amongst the population. “They will also do check-ins at the same time. They’re not just handing out bottles of water, they’re connecting with each individual to see what other needs they might have.”
This year, United Way has contributed $7,000 to assist with water purchases and the City of Lethbridge, through its Community Social Development Department and Encampment Response Team, will provide up to $3,000 in additional matching funding for financial and water donations collected.
The City also leads extreme weather response activities during heat warnings, with cooling centres available to those who need to get out of the heat.
