Red Cross, Salvation Army mobilizing to help Penticton apartment fire evacuees

Community organizations are stepping up to assist victims of the apartment fire in Penticton earlier this week.

Fire ripped through the Clarence House apartment complex at 217 Elm Avenue in the early morning hours of Oct. 27, forcing dozens of residents to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs. Firefighters later discovered two bodies in the charred remains of the blaze.

The City's emergency social services have been looking after fire victims since Tuesday, but today the City said two organizations have stepped in to assist.

Businesses, residents and social organizations can now direct donations to the Salvation Army and Red Cross.

“Clothing, bedding and similar items can be dropped off at Penticton’s Salvation Army store Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, while cash donations can be directed to the Red Cross at redcross.ca/donate,” social development specialist Adam Goodwin said in a City of Penticton media release.

Evacuees will receive a special voucher for the Salvation Army store to shop for items they may require. Evacuees without insurance may receive emergency supports through the Red Cross.

All donations will provide funding for these supports and future emergencies.

The Salvation Army can only accept limited furniture items in good condition due to space constraints. Fire evacuees will have access to the Salvation Army’s full inventory as all donated items will go into general inventory. No one in need will be turned away.

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