In the wake of raging wildfires, BC Liquor Stores’ customers and employees came together to help support Red Cross relief efforts for victims of the recent Rock Creek and Oliver wildfires to the tune of almost $102,000.
“While the people of Rock Creek and Oliver are just beginning the long journey to rebuild after the recent fires, it is uplifting to see the generous contributions made to this campaign. As they continue to tackle the difficult steps ahead, it is comforting to know that they have the strength, solidarity and support of British Columbians behind them,” said Coralee Oakes, minister responsible for liquor.
Hundreds of people in the Rock Creek and Oliver communities were evacuated — and more than 30 homes destroyed — after a fire ignited in Rock Creek on Aug. 14. To help support South Okanagan community members forced from their homes and starting from nothing following the fires, customers made donations of $2 or $5 — or multiples thereof — at checkouts at 196 BC Liquor Stores throughout the province.
These donations, collected from Aug. 18 to Sept. 6, helped the Red Cross provide assistance to victims of the fires to reunite family members, provide necessities such as blankets, food and water and assist victims with longer-term needs such as replacing equipment to return to work and helping with rent. The last time the Red Cross activated a disaster relief fund in B.C. was in 2003, during one of the province’s most devastating wildfire seasons on record.