Iroquois Park in Sidney will now be used as a shower facility to help vulnerable members of the community maintain vital personal hygiene practices in the face of a global pandemic.
The facility will be open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and Sidney’s three public washrooms remain open for use. They are cleaned and sanitized multiple times a day.
“The Town of Sidney would like to extend a big thank you to two local businesses that have shown great generosity during these challenging times,” said the town in a press release on Thursday.
Tyneham Luxury Products donated the toiletries that will be available at the shower facility, including soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
The Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel in Sidney donated the towels that will be used by those taking showers and using the facility.
The shower facility will take place in Iroquois Park / Google Maps
The shower facility’s hours of operations coincide with the operational hours of the adjacent Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank, which runs a food hamper program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
“The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank is in urgent need of donations, and demand for its services is growing in these uncertain times,” said the town.
They are currently open for extra food pick-ups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. If anyone would like to give financial support, donations can be made online or by phone 250-655-0679.
For regular updates regarding the Town of Sidney’s response to COVID-19, you can visit their website.
Meanwhile in Victoria, the City is racing to set up two temporary homeless camps with proper social distancing.
Rebecca Lawrence
