Fundraiser for wildfire evacuees held in Kamloops
Posted July 21, 2017 6:31 pm.
Last Updated July 21, 2017 7:20 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – There seems to be no end to the generosity of a BC city that’s become the temporary home of thousands of wildfire evacuees for the past two weeks. A fundraiser was held this afternoon for those forced out of their homes as a state of emergency continues province-wide.
The BC Wildheart tailgater party was organized by a team of local business leaders, including Mitchell Zulinick who is the chief operating officer of the Arrow Trucking Company. “By Tuesday afternoon we had almost $200,000 in corporate commitments. I don’t know where it’s going to end up but it’s already far exceeded my expectations.”
Several evacuees NEWS 1130 spoke with say they’re grateful for the help. “They put us up at Sun Peaks,” explains one mother who admits things have been tough for her children.
Edna Johnson has been staying at an evacuation centre since Sunday morning and she doesn’t know when she’ll be allowed to go home. “[It’s been] stressful, but the people in Kamloops have been really nice. It’s overwhelming with good spirit.”
Organizers believe they have collected more than $300,000 for the Canadian Red Cross. And, if you’d like to pitch in, you can help the Canadian Red Cross by texting FIRES to 45678. Your $10 donation will go toward the provincial fundraising appeal.
Resources
The BC Wildfire Service
An interactive map of all active wildfires across the province
Twitter: @BCGovFireInfo
Emergency Info BC
Information about emergencies in BC, including evacuation orders and alerts
Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC
PreparedBC
Information about disaster readiness
Twitter: @PreparedBC
Drive BC
Information about road closures, major events and highway delays
Twitter: @DriveBC
Environment Canada
The latest on special weather statements and air quality advisories
Twitter: @environmentca
Red Cross
Learn how to register or donate
Twitter: @RedCrossBC
