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Volunteers are doing what they can to keep those living on Regina City Hall’s doorstep safe during the heat wave.
Mandla Mthembu is a camp volunteer who has been helping since Day 1. He was one of the organizers who helped move the camp from Pepsi Park to City Hall back in June.
“When it comes to things like heat waves or intense extreme weather, the community can only do so much,” said Mthembu.
He is a part of Good Trouble Network YQR, a nonprofit organization. It has done an increased call for things like water, frozen treats and shelters to provide shade.
Staff continue to do wellness checks and ensure that volunteers are also taking breaks so they’re able to help those in need.
“Some people there are going to be outside or sitting in tents baking for five days straight,” said Mthembu.
The network continues to grow its volunteer staff to ensure it has enough support and resources to handle what is going on on a day-to-day basis.
They’re hoping to meet with some level of government at the decision-making table soon.
“Our goal is not to be set up at City Hall for the remainder of the year,” Mthembu said.
Those volunteering at the camp want to see change now. Their goal is to connect people with the resources and services they need.
Mthembu said they’re making do with what they can, but if people are interested in learning about the camp, they should simply come down or reach out to their local neighbourhood organizations to see what they can do to help.
He said he has seen great community engagement and relationships form with those who stop by regularly just to say hello or drop off items.
He said volunteer staff and those living at the camp are greatly appreciative for all the help from the community so far.
“No act of kindness has gone underappreciated,” he said.
The City of Regina has an extreme weather strategy for heat waves.
It includes the distribution of bottled water by frontline service providers and at fire stations throughout the city. There also are fire hydrant water stations at Core Community Park (1205 11th Ave.), Victoria Park (2190 Victoria Ave.) and Buffalo Meadows Park (3355 Eighth Ave.).
As well, the city has a Safe Bus Program, giving anyone who requires assistance during extreme weather events a place to cool off.
“Those in need can hold up their hand (palm facing out) in the direction of an approaching bus to signal the driver that they need help,” a media release said. “Bus operators are trained to recognize this as a sign of distress and will stop to provide assistance.”
There also are numerous cooling spaces and services in the city; a list of their locations can be found here.
