FILE PHOTO

(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)

The wildfires in the Southern Interior have led to an outpouring of community support, putting volunteer organizations at full capacity.

In the wake of the devastation caused by the wildfires in the Central Okanagan, people in the local community have made generous donations of supplies both to the victims of the fires and the first responders and firefighters working tirelessly to contain it. 

After expressing his gratitude for the generosity of local people who donated water and food to frontline crews during initial phase of the battle, West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund said at a news conference today, Aug. 21, that “quite frankly folks, it’s becoming overwhelming and it’s becoming unsafe.”

"What I’m asking for is, instead of your donations of food and water and all of that, I’m asking you to write a card or put a post on social media. Thank the firefighters that are out there kicking ass,” he said. "Continue to bring your kids by the firehall. Let’s inspire the next generation through the public service that is happening out there today."

Donations made to the Kelowna Salvation Army over the weekend amounted to 15 palettes of Gatorade, protein bars, drinks, food and supplies to be given directly to firefighters and first responders. The organization has announced its at full capacity and asked that the community hold their wildfire donations for now.

READ MORE: At least 50 structures damaged or destroyed in West Kelowna

The City of Vernon has also released a statement recognizing the “deep kindness and keen willingness to help” from the local community.

It said although appreciated, the city's Emergency Social Services program doesn't have the capacity or resources to receive or distribute the quantity of donations being received. 

READ MORE: Cooler weather helps but smoky skies hinder wildfire fight in South Okanagan

Mamas for Mamas, a Kelowna charity organization for mothers, children and families has been receiving overwhelming contributions from the Central Okanagan community. Shannon Christensen with the group said the charity has received an “exceptional amount of items as donations."

She said the process has been “wild and absolutely chaotic,” but the charity has been working hard to distribute the supplies to the community.

United Way BC worked in conjunction with community partners to provide blankets to wildfire evacuees at a group lodging facility in Kelowna, BC, on August 18, 2023.

Image Credit: United Way

“We don’t want to say no to donations,” she said. “Even though there is a huge amount of donations coming in, we are making sure that they are going out almost as quickly as they are coming in.”

United Way has also released a statement urging people to donate to the its BC Wildfire Recovery Fund to help mobilize resources and respond to immediate and emerging needs.

More information on how to donate can be found on the United Way website here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Georgina Whitehouse or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.

News from © iNFOnews, 2023