If you have been evacuated by the wildfires and are unsure where to turn for resources the United Way BC’s Wildfire Fund is now open.
The team is currently working locally with partners providing aid to residents, business and communities as we face devastating affects from the current fires.
“These funds support immediate relief efforts when an evacuation order is given. So, that could look like gas cards to help people fill up on their way out. It could look like food vouchers, blankets, water, anything that individuals, families, seniors will need to successfully and safely arrive at their host community or evacuation site.” said United Way BC’s Provincial Director of Community Impact & Investment Kim Winchell.
Agencies working on the ground in BC’s Interior to support those affected by wildfire are encouraged to apply to the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund.
“That support can look like mental health support, support with childcare, support with anything that they might need on the ground in order to be able to successfully.” said Winchell.
“It could look like a rent bank to help with payments that they need to make. And then we are there also long after the smoke clears and the fires are gone, helping people reintegrate back into their community.”
United Way BC has office across the Kootenays, and the province, to help access this fund.
“It’s not an individual application they have to do. They can get support from nonprofit agencies in the Kootenay region that are getting support from the United Way.”
If you have been displaced by the wildfires you are encouraged to contact 211 British Columbia by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting bc.211.ca.
“We’ll support alerts and evacuation orders.” said Winchell,
“We’ve heard of some people, especially seniors who might be isolated, they have questions about being on alert, what does that mean? How do I need to pack? What do I need to pack? They can reach out to 211 and get that information.”
“And then those that are on an order, they’ll either see our staff in and around the evacuation site that they go to, or again, they can call 211 and get the support that they need.”
The impact
The fund is provided through donations, and anyone with capacity is urged to make a monetary donation to the fund at uwbc.ca/campaigns/wildfires.
“Last year we raised two million dollars and we put that amount back into community through grants to non -profit agencies with mental health support, through food vouchers, and gas cards.”
“Last year was a particularly devastating year and we anticipate the same challenges this year.”
“We rely on the generosity of British Columbians and corporations. And you can go to our website at UWBC.ca and all of the information is there on how to donate. And any denomination will help during these challenging times.”
Or you can donate here: uwbc.ca/donate.
“We recognize the trauma these wildfires have on individual lives, both during the fires and when the smoke clears,” said Winchell.
“Our United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund is there to help fill in the gaps during the immediate crisis but, just as importantly, we are there through the recovery journey.”
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