Citizens step up to help Florentine residents evacuate

When the call came down to evacuate the community on Monday, the Florentine in Merritt was stuck without running water or the ability to cook meals for their residents. That’s when the community stepped up to help.

“It was complicated by the City shutting off the water system, we could prepare any meals. I called the owner at Canada Café, the owner stepped up and prepared bulk meals that we could deliver to our residents on Monday night,” said Florentine Owner Frank Rizzardo. “There are some shining stars out there.”

Florentine residents were evacuated to Kamloops, Kelowna, and Williams Lake. Independent living went to Kelowna, assisted living residents to Kamloops.

“The bus operator went above and beyond to help relocate the seniors in Kelowna, after staying one night in a hotel. There are shining stars in the process,” added Rizzardo.

Rizzardo also wanted to thank members of the community that helped provide wheelchair accessible toilets during the evacuation.

“These are the stories that some people take for granted,” said Rizzardo.