When disaster strikes, they’re there to help.
The Olive Tree’s Disaster Assistance Readiness Team (DART) is in full swing and there when they’re needed.
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“If there are evacuations from neighbouring communities or things like that, the city can call on us to come and help,” said Becky Schille, executive director of The Olive Tree.
The group has been active for quite some time but is now a formal part of The Olive Tree.
“Informally, for a very, very long time, but we just formalized, gave it a title and we’re getting badges this year,” she said.
Schille gave an example of a recent occurrence when they were called upon.
“We help move people around and be informal security or help with, for example, when Pioneer Lodge had their fire,” she said. “They called us in, so we brought our supplies, water, snacks, food and just helped,”
Every situation for the team is different.
“It’s different every time because every community handles it a little bit differently,” said Schille. “Sometimes, the city of Lloyd’s more involved and sometimes, if it’s a reserve or a neighbouring community, they’re in charge.”
Whenever they’re called on, they work to remedy the situation.
“We just wait and come when we’re called upon,” she said. “Whenever there’s a problem, we can usually find a solution.”
Now that it’s been made official, the team requires checks to ensure they can take part in sensitive situations.
“Our DART team has staff included, but it also has a lot of really great volunteers. We require police checks so they can be a part of sensitive situations,” said Schille, noting they don’t just help with disasters.
“We also do things like moving clients. If we have an emergency eviction or a move in, those kinds of things,” she said. “We also do projects like hoarding.”
Those looking to volunteer can fill out a form online at theolivetreelloyd.ca/volunteer.
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