A water main break has caused extensive flooding at a food bank in the West Island area of Montreal, leaving volunteers and staff scrambling to salvage donations and clean up the damage.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at the West Island Assistance Fund (WIAF) food bank, located on Sources Boulevard in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. According to reports, a water main burst in the area, causing water to gush into the building and submerge the entire basement, where the food bank is located.
Volunteers and staff at the food bank were shocked and devastated by the sudden flooding, as the WIAF provides essential food assistance to over 1,000 families in the West Island community. The organization relies heavily on donations from the public and local businesses to support their operations.
The flooding has caused significant damage to the food bank’s storage area, where thousands of pounds of food were stored. The water also damaged the electrical system, leaving the building without power and forcing the food bank to close its doors until further notice.
In a statement, WIAF Executive Director, Wendy Gariepy, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support and concern during this difficult time. She also emphasized the urgent need for donations to help replenish the lost food and cover the costs of repairs.
The Dollard-des-Ormeaux city officials have been working closely with the food bank to assess the damage and provide assistance. Mayor Alex Bottausci visited the site and pledged the city’s support in helping the food bank get back on its feet.
The WIAF is currently seeking volunteers to help with the cleanup efforts and is accepting donations of non-perishable food items, as well as monetary donations to cover the costs of repairs.
The cause of the water main break is still under investigation, and it is unclear when the food bank will be able to resume its operations. In the meantime, the WIAF is urging the community to come together and support their efforts to continue providing essential food assistance to those in need.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the vital role that food banks play in our communities and the importance of supporting them. The WIAF is a lifeline for many families in the West Island, and it is crucial that we come together to help them during this challenging time.
