United Way BC is asking the public for donations to provide financial aid to those displaced by wildfires in the province.
The Director of Community Impact and Investment at United Way BC, Jasica Grewal, says some crucial social services get missed during initial wildfire responses. She says United Way, through its United for B.C. fund, is there to help fill that gap by being on the ground and “supporting emerging and immediate needs of communities.”
Grewal says they have been active with their wildfire response since 2021, but started their emergency response at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Way’s website says the fund helps get evacuees food and water access, gas cards, childcare-related supports, blankets and supplies, hygiene kits, and also other recovery efforts including cleanup.
“So people are having to travel long distances as they’re being evacuated to get somewhere safe… so they’re spending more money… sometimes it’s childcare relates, so parents are able to navigate those emergency centres,” she said.
Grewal says with hundreds of wildfires burning right now, the United Way has been very busy, and is still dealing with thousands of people impacted by orders and alerts.
“We continue to reach out to our communities and partners to fill in those gaps and provide support where needed,” she said.
She says in the last few weeks they have been providing funding for partners in the Interior, the Kootenays, and the Jasper wildfire evacuees who had to reroute through Kamloops.
“We’re accepting applications to support agencies who are supporting folks who’ve been ordered to evacuate,” Grewal said.
Grewal says the United Way is able to do this because of generous donors, adding that financial donations are highly valuable right now.
She says those interested in spreading the word or donating directly can visit their website.
“Wildfire season isn’t over, and we’ve got wildfires that are continuing to pop up…probably through to September,” Grewal said.