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Nova Scotia Liberal MLA Fred Tilley is calling for more comfort centres to open on Cape Breton Island.

Thousands of Cape Bretoners are still without power as a result of Hurricane Fiona, and they are in need of a place to charge their electronics, shower, and have a hot meal. Areas stretching from Florence to Sydney Mines and Westmount are lacking comfort centres.

Florence resident Lisa Bond is one of many Cape Bretoners in the area who is ready and willing to volunteer at a comfort centre in her community and is waiting patiently for one to open up. “Without power, people in my area have lost fridges and freezers full of food and don’t have the means to keep a generator going.” Says Bond. “They are unable to drive to work right now and even to grab a hot tea or charge their phone they have to drive well outside the community, for many residents this isn’t feasible. As Cape Bretoners we’re the first to jump in when times get tough.”

Tilley says there are many facilities that can be used as comfort centres, and he believes that community members will be willing to pitch in to keep them in operation for those in need. One of the facilities that could be used is the Sydney Mines Fire Hall. According to a statement from Tilley, Nova Scotians have been coming together to help people whose lives and homes have been devastated by the storm. Especially in Cape Breton where Fiona’s impact has been severe. The need for more facilities to be approved is critical.