Help Vancouver's homeless beat the heat by donating essential supplies

Jul 11 2017, 12:30 am

With forecasts of hot and sunny weather set to continue for the foreseeable future, one local business is partnering with The Salvation Army to help Downtown Eastside residents endure the heat.

Local real estate marketing firm Rennie Group says it is working with the charity organization to raise awareness about alternative cooling locations such as community centres and libraries and bring heat relief essential supplies to the homeless.

Rennie will provide much-needed provisions such as water, sunscreen, and hats to The Salvation Army Harbour Light 119 at East Cordova, and its staff will also be distributing these supplies across the neighbourhood.

As well, a station where vulnerable residents can receive these supplies will be set up at the Rennie parking lot at the rear of 51 East Pender on Friday, July 7 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Efforts to assist the homeless with beating the heat will continue throughout the summer.

“Our community is important to us,” said Kris Rennie, President of Rennie, in a statement. “We want to ensure we do all that we can to provide assistance to those in need.”

The public is also encouraged to donate these supplies to the Salvation Army.

Exposure to severe heat can lead to heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, weakness, and confusion, and this can progress to unconsciousness, organ failure, and death.

Homeless residents in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside neighbourhood receiving heat survival supplies. (Rennie Group)

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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