While several victims of Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie had to leave their homes because of the floods on Tuesday, a volunteer initiative is helping them.
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“We have a few victims who came to get clothes yesterday because they quickly had to be evacuated,” explains Lorraine Péland, vice-president of Amis d’Émélie, an aid organization for the poor.
Two volunteers are busy putting away the clothes to make the thrift shop welcoming.
Blankets, sleeping bags, shoes, clothes for young and old, everything is offered free of charge. At noon, every day this week, people in need will be able to pick up what they need directly from the organization located in the village presbytery.
“Yesterday, I even told my colleague to thaw bread,” adds the person who takes care of the organization which also offers food to the population.
As the water level continues to rise, the number of victims could also rise. Despite the situation, a great surge of solidarity is felt in the village.
“There are few people who slept in the church yesterday, most find refuge with friends or family,” rejoices Hélène Arsenault, another volunteer.
Currently, the municipality of Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie offers food and shelter to anyone in need.