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  Regional Dean Isabel Healy-Morrow visited the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc arbor grounds this morning to listen to the stories of the evacuees from 100 Mile House, 108 Mile, Clinton and surrounding area. Many were enjoying a free hot pancake and sausage breakfast served by Shaw employees. Children ate breakfast with their parents and played with toys and puzzles which had been donated and set up on a table for them to select.

  The evacuees had nothing but praise for the hospitality extended to them by the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc band and the Emergency Social Services in Kamloops, but they were all anxious about knowing if their homes had been touched by the fires. Common needs expressed were for clothing: golf shirts, shorts, socks and underwear, and laundry facilities.

  They were glad to see a friendly face and shared openly about their evacuation experiences and their hope for an end to the state of emergency, and were glad of a ministry of presence and a listening ear. St. Paul's Cathedral will be offering a drop in centre Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, from 10 - 2 pm, where individuals who are feeling the effects of the fires can rest, relax, enjoy food, and a chance to decompress.