Across Kelowna businesses and residents have been working hard to raise money for those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire.
Image Credit: The Save Kindness Society
May 10, 2016 - 1:00 PM
KELOWNA - Since the first evacuees started fleeing the massive Fort McMurray wildfire last week, Kelowna businesses and residents have scrambled to make the situation a little easier for those affected.
Several Facebook groups have popped up with posts offering, and asking for, critical items like food, diapers, pet food, blankets and more.
Kelowna helping Fort McMurray is one of the largest groups and has had dozens of postings offering everything from necessities and clothes to free meals.
Kelowna resident Andrew Garagan is working with the Save Kindness Society to collect bottles and cans, which will be redeemed and the money donated.
“It was not so long ago that Kelowna itself felt the tragic effects of the Kelowna mountain fire and Rose Valley fire,” he writes. “We know first-hand hand the feeling of loss, devastation and displacement.”
He and his team of volunteers are collecting donations of diapers and other baby supplies they will give to families affected by the fires as well as pet food to be given directly to the SPCA near the evacuation centres.
Donations can be dropped off at 201 - 1856 Ambrosi St. (call 250-317-5756 to be let in), however pick up is also available. Text Amber at 778-581-6300 or Jodi at 250-215-5415.
They have also organized a bottle drive Saturday, May 14, in the old Western Star parking lot off Enterprise Way.
Image Credit: Facebook
Bootlegger and Ricki’s clothing stores in Orchard Park Shopping Mall are offering 75 per cent discount for evacuees and Red Robin on Cooper Road is giving free tavern double burgers and a non-alcoholic drink to anyone with valid Fort McMurray ID.
Winners, Homesense and Marshall’s are matching all donations they receive, which will then be donated to the Red Cross. The government has also agreed to match all donations to the Red Cross so every dollar donated through these companies equals $4 for Fort McMurray residents.
Tonics Pub & Grill downtown and McCullough Station Pub will be donating all bottles they collect over the next few weeks to Fort Mac and several other businesses are accepting donations as well.
Amore Vacations at 201-1856 Ambrosi Rd., The Canadian Brewhouse on Pandosy Street, Truth Now Tabernacle on Ethel Street ,and Okanagan Ford on Stremel Road are all collecting donations.
The OK Corral is holding a fundraiser Friday night and Bogie & Bacall Hair Salon in Orchard Park Mall will be hosting a cupcake fundraiser at their store May 14 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. All donations will be matched by the owner and money will be donated to the Red Cross.
To make a $5 donation directly to the Red Cross, text 'redcross' to 30333
To make a monetary donation to the Salvation Army text 'FORTMAC' to 45678.
Did we miss a fundraiser? Leave it in the comments section below.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2016