Officials urge cash donations, not items for B.C. wildfire evacuees | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Officials urge cash donations, not items for B.C. wildfire evacuees

FILE PHOTO - Highway 1 in Cherry Creek was closed for a short period of time on July 5, while crews attacked the blaze that sparked after a car crash.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Susanne De Montreuil

With about 14,000 evacuees forced out of homes because of wildfire danger in the province, many are wondering how to help.

The first instinct may be to donate items like food, water and clothing, but that isn't the best way to get help in the hands that need it.

Many evacuees are seeking shelter in Kamloops and Debbie Sell with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District says generous offers of donations and volunteer time are pouring in.

It's hard to keep up with and Sell says the regional district is working on an online resource to connect those in need with those wanting to give.

"People are very kind-hearted and want to give something but often the difficulty is matching what they want to give with what's needed," she says. "There might already be a mountain of water and no food. So we are trying to stem the tide of people trying to donate things."

Sell says while people's intentions are good, cash is always easier to handle when it comes to taking care of the many evacuees.

"The quickest and easiest way to donate and help is through the Red Cross," Sell says.

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross, click here or call 1-800-418-1111. You can donate to the Red Cross at any B.C. Liquor Store. The province says funds will go to people with immediate needs like shelter, food and water.

The Red Cross also has a registration service to wildfire evacuees. Registration will help locate family and friends who have evacuated and helps the Canadian Red Cross contact people with new information and assistance. To register, contact the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800 863-6582 or visit the website

For the most up-to-date information on the provincial wildfire situation go here.

For all information on evacuation orders and alerts, go here.


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