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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.