In the face of disaster, it’s encouraging to see the province — and nation — come together for the thousands of people affected.
Help from other provinces and the federal government has begun to pour in for firefighters and evacuees.
About 300 firefighters and support staff from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and New Brunswick started to arrive Monday to help relieve the pressure on roughly 1,000 B.C. crew members battling the blazes. The Canadian Armed Forces have also sent aircraft and personnel to support the emergency response.
Residents of Fort McMurray, Alta., who had to flee a massive wildfire last year, have also sprung into action by collecting donations of supplies, driving them to B.C. and offering support and advice on social media.
And in a similar vein, a Canada-wide social media network of donors and volunteers has truckloads of supplies headed for fire-stricken communities around the province.
And while we may be far from the disaster unfolding, there are ways we can help. The Canadian Red Cross has opened up its donations page at redcross.ca. Donations will help provide immediate relief in the way of cots, blankets, food, clothing and personal needs. Beyond meeting immediate needs, donations may be used to help re-entry and go towards long term-recovery.
You can even donate with your phone. Simply text FIRES to 45678 to donate $10 to the Canadian Red Cross B.C. Fires Appeal.
It’s hard to imagine what our fellow British Columbians are going through right now. In the wink of an eye, many have lost everything. The least we could do is give a few dollars.