Arborg became a home away from home for a group of Flin Flon fire evacuees.
Nine participants, four staff and three cats from Norman Community Services — a Flin Flon Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) branch — arrived at the Arborg Blue Crescent Hotel at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, after being evacuated from their homes.
“The town has totally overwhelmed us with kindness. What they are doing for us has taken so much pressure off of us, considering we have been in survivor mode,” said Allison Mote-Dallas, director of Norman Community Services.
She said when they received the evacuation order Wednesday afternoon, she had no idea where they were going to stay. CLDS had arranged for participants to be split between different hotels in the Interlake. But Norman Community Services staff took matters into their own hands, calling hotels directly to see if they could find a space for the entire group. When they called the Blue Crescent Hotel, they were accepted with open arms.
“Out of such a terrible situation, we have found so much comfort and love here in Arborg,” Mote-Dallas said. She added she hadn’t even heard of Arborg before arriving. When they showed up with just one suitcase per person — minus the two they forgot — the town stepped up, donating clothing, food and entertainment. The entire community made sure they felt welcome.
Mote-Dallas noted that no structures in Flin Flon have been destroyed, but staff homes and other facilities in surrounding communities have been lost.
Because of the situation, many participants believe they are simply on vacation, as staff have worked to keep them calm, she said. Their time in Arborg has felt more like a party, filled with new experiences and getting to know the community.
“Being in survivor mode is one of the worst feelings I have ever felt in my life, but being here at the Blue Crescent Hotel has made it such a surreal experience. I cannot commend them and give them enough kudos.”
John Pearen, hotel general manager, said Norman Community Services has fit right in and praised both his staff and the community for stepping up.
They allowed pets, permitted an early check-in, provided meals, and even had other hotel guests cancel or reduce their room bookings to ensure enough space for the evacuees.
“Everyone coming together to make this work just gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside,” Pearen added. He noted it was the first time the Blue Crescent had hosted evacuees, though he has managed similar situations while working in Brandon.
While in Arborg, Norman Community Services participants toured local attractions aboard the Arborg Handi-Van, visiting stops like the curling rock and heritage village. A volunteer driver also took them to Selkirk for a Walmart shopping trip.
They also enjoyed two live performances by a local trio — Ron Rogowsky, Isabeh Sousa and Dani Caldeira — with clients and staff singing and dancing to favourite hits.
“It was unreal the emotions we felt. It is so hard to explain how heartwarming it was to perform for this generous, courageous and resilient group of people,” Rogowsky said.
The group’s stay in Arborg came to an end on June 9, as the Blue Crescent Hotel could no longer accommodate them. They relocated to the Selkirk Inn and Conference Centre, where they hope to remain until evacuation orders are lifted.
Those looking to donate — especially home-cooked meals, which Mote-Dallas says are nutritionally beneficial — are asked to call the hotel at 204-482-7722 before arriving to confirm what is needed.
“The way everyone has come together for us, I cannot say thank you enough. We know we are safe, loved and welcome. Thank you for the outpouring of everything,” Mote-Dallas added.
