District of Rainy River Services Board seeks meal support for Rose Manor residents
The District of Rainy River Services Board is reaching out for help for those displaced by last week’s fire at Rose Manor in Fort Frances.
Nearly 30 residents have temporary accommodations at a local motel, but are limited to what they can cook.
Community Engagement Coordinator Brenda Witherspoon is hoping groups, organizations and individuals can lend a hand in providing a meal or two.
“They have a fridge and a microwave, so it’s really difficult to cook warm meals and things,” says Witherspoon.
“So we just thought that if we could offer something warm a couple of times a week, like a lasagna or chilli or something, that we can help supplement their meals.”
Witherspoon initially issued a plea through social media earlier this week.
About half a dozen families and organizations responded.
It is still uncertain when residents will be able to return home, so Witherspoon is approaching the need for meal support day-by-day, but planning far enough ahead in case the situation changes.
“I’m doing like a week or two out. I’m kind of just booking in that way, but we’re really still at that beginning part,” says Witherspoon.
Witherspoon says they are not accepting food items because of the lack of appliances and the limited space the residents have in their rooms.
There has been support in other ways.
The Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association provided each resident with a $250 Walmart gift card to purchase things they needed.
Some of the local businesses have offered discounts on such things as clothing and other essential items.
Witherspoon says the residents are doing okay, but have offered them counselling services.
“We’re addressing their physical needs, but there are also emotional needs,” says Witherspoon.
“We were able to offer like a circle that they could just get together, talk about their experiences and debrief because it’s pretty traumatic.”
Anyone who is willing and able to assist in providing meals can contact the District of Rainy River Services Board directly at (807) 274-5349 and select reception.