Water bottle donations 'overwhelming,' says Bissell Centre
The Bissell Centre has received a large donation of bottled water amidst the summer heat wave.
A west Edmonton branch of Canadian insurance company ‘Westland Insurance’ dropped off two pallets of bottled water to the centre Thursday afternoon.
The delivery follows an urgent call from the Bissell Centre, asking for bottled water donations to help keep unhoused Edmontonians hydrated during Alberta’s summer heat wave.
Scarlet Vjornson, marketing and communications coordinator at the Bissell Centre, says there has been a steady stream of traffic dropping water off all day.
“Edmonton is the greatest city maybe on the planet for the response that they do for people in need,” said Vjornson.
“They always go above and beyond, they always meet the need. And on top of it, they bring in a truck load of water and they’re saying, ‘Give us a call, let us know what else you need’.”
Now with more water than they can store, the Bissell Centre is directing its extra donations to other organizations in the city.
“We’re sending people everywhere else that’s put out a call,” said Vjornson.
The Edmonton Food bank, the Mustard Seed, George Spady Centre, Boyle Street Community and Operation Friendship Seniors Society are all still in need of water to help support Edmontonians experiencing homelessness across the city.
Vjorson says heat waves can lead to a number of issues for the community including heatstroke, sunburn, and in some cases an increased risk of overdose due to dehydration.
The Bissell Centre has now switched their call out from bottled water to requesting light summer clothing, sunscreen, hats, and bug spray.
Donations can be made to the Bissell Centre at 10527 96 St., between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.