How you can help people impacted by B.C. wildfires
- Media Manager
- Aug 18, 2023
- 2 min read
CBC - The Canadian Press
Published: August 19th, 2023
Charities start donation campaigns
With thousands of people affected by wildfires across B.C., many people are offering to help out.
The United Way of B.C.'s Southern Interior recently put a call out for blankets to help support evacuees displaced by wildfires in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
But unless you are responding to a specific need, established charities and support groups say the best way to help is through monetary donations, or registering to volunteer, so resources can be directed to where they are needed.
Groups advise against making unsolicited donations of food or goods, which require additional resources to coordinate and may go to waste.
That sentiment is echoed by the B.C. Wildfire Service, which says it cannot accept donations of food, supplies, or equipment, nor can individual members.
Instead, it suggests those wishing to help work with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to help support people affected by wildfires.
How to find the latest wildfire news and evacuation information in B.C.
A state of emergency has been declared in B.C. due to wildfires. Here's what that means
Canadians wishing to make a donation can do so online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
The United Way of B.C. has also started a campaign.
Verified charities
CanadaHelps has also put together a list of verified charities fundraising to help people affected by wildfires in B.C. and across Canada, including the Central Okanagan Food Bank and Salvation Army.
The B.C. SPCA, which helps provide evacuation support and emergency care for pets, welcomes donations and volunteers. People with space to take in livestock are invited to fill out foster applications so they can be connected with regional managers helping evacuees.
