Unseasonably warm spring temperatures has Siloam Mission calling for donations of bottled water months earlier than they’ve had to in past years.
(CBC) The unseasonably hot and humid temperatures seen in Winnipeg this spring have left Siloam Mission scrambling to provide water for the city’s homeless population.
"We’re getting down to low levels of bottled water so we are putting out the call for donations — it’s a genuine and immediate need here at Siloam."
While it’s not the first time the homeless shelter has had to make a plea for bottled water as temperatures soar in the city — they made a similar call to the community last July — Bell says it’s rare they’ve needed to do it so early in the season.
But with temperatures hovering around the 30 C mark during midday this week, he says the risk of dehydration is already very real for the city’s homeless population.
And there’s not much relief in sight, according to CBC meteorologist John Sauder.
‘One of those staples of life’ The heat has been driving those living outdoors in Winnipeg to Siloam Mission for relief, says Bell.
"I can also tell you, that for the people we serve, that bottle of water is always, always met with a thank-you.
"We believe that when we put a call like this out our communities will respond and that’s why we say thank you in advance because it’s just so much appreciated."
Donations of bottled water can be dropped off at Siloam Mission at 309 Logan Avenue.