Image Credit: FACEBOOK/The Fig
August 08, 2021 - 5:28 PM
A Vernon bistro donating free food and coffee to wildfire evacuees has already given out $1,000 worth of sandwiches, soups and coffee within the last two days.
Co-owners David Scarlatescu and Beatrice Weir of The Fig decided to give out the free meals starting Friday to help out evacuees in the area.
In the two days they’ve been open, more than $1,000 have already been donated, Scarlatescu said.
“It’s pretty heartbreaking. Myself, I cried on multiple occasions Friday and Saturday just hearing (stories). You see all kinds of people. People in their early 20s, moms with their two young kids, everyone has bags under their eyes,” he said.
Some people have been embarrassed to accept the food, but Scarlatescu wants everyone to know it’s not a matter of humility, accept the food if it will help.
On Saturday, Aug. 7, The Fig also prepared 25 meals for Okanagan Indian Band evacuees.
READ MORE: ‘Worst-case nightmare’: Multiple homes, structures lost to White Rock Lake wildfire
The idea started originally when they gave out free meals to seniors in need during the start of the pandemic. The Fig had positive feedback from helping out and are continuing that service and Scarlatescu thought it would also be helpful for wildfire evacuees.
The food will be given out free of charge, no questions asked and Scarlatescu said they will continue offering free food and coffee to evacuees for an indefinite period of time.
“We trust people and trust the community,” he said.
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