Hundreds of Lytton residents were forced to evacuate immediately as a fire raged through the village and completely destroyed it in a matter of hours.
Most went to communities in the interior, where other wildfires are also threatening homes and have forced evacuations for those living too close.
Tri-City residents, and others across B.C, have asked what they can do to help those displaced by the crises.
One avenue is through the United Way of the Lower Mainland, who’s joining other branches to relaunch the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund in pleading to the public to contribute whatever they can
The fund is set to help provide immediate and long-term essential service through non-profit agencies in the impacted communities.
The fund’s relaunch for 2021 is starting with a $200,000 investment from United Way BC (UWBC), which is a team that includes the organization’s locations in the Lower Mainland, interior, and central and northern Vancouver Island.
“We recognize the deep trauma that wildfires have on individual lives as we respond in local communities across British Columbia,” says UWBC president and CEO Michael McKnight in a statement today (July 3), who notes establishing connections are critical when helping others recover, both physically and emotionally.
“The United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund is one of the ways we realize the strength of an amalgamated United Way. Now we are able to provide more support to communities across the regions we serve. We encourage B.C. residents to support their neighbours and donate to the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund.”
During the 2017 B.C. wildfire season, more than $170,000 was raised through UWBC to support recovery and rebuilding.
The money this year is set to help the following:
- Displaced residents
- Those who’ve lost housing
- Those who’ve lost belongings
- Those who’ve lost employment
- Residents suffering physical or mental trauma
UWBC adds the grants will also be offered to “the provision of health and safety education.”
For more information about the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Grant or if you wish to make a donation, you’re encouraged to visit United Way’s website.
