Emergency Response Fund money is getting out to people in the Shuswap impacted by wildfire this summer.
Established in August by the Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) to aid in the recovery and rebuilding of communities affected by the Bush Creek East wildfire, to date the fund has received nearly $800,000 in donations from generous individuals and community partners, said the SCF in a Dec. 20 media release.
The SCF said it grateful for “local community leaders that rose to the occasion to form the North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society (NSDRS),” a volunteer group that is working with “a multitude of organizations to efficiently deliver resources and support to the residents of North Shuswap who are most in need.”
“Their decisions are informed by local knowledge, ensuring a timely and targeted response,” said the SCF, explaining NSDRS volunteers conduct needs assessments and facilitate funding applications by visiting individuals in their current or former residences. “Priority is given to those requiring winter accommodation, individuals in need of power, water, or septic services, and those seeking assistance to make their homes winter friendly.
“Additionally, funding support is extended to individuals who have lost their livelihoods due to the absence of tools or shelters for their business activities. While the Society acknowledges that they have not yet identified the entirety of needs created by the wildfire, they express gratitude to residents for sharing their stories, providing valuable insights that guides their efforts.”
To date, the SCF said it has delivered more than $180,000 in grant funding to NSDRS, the Shuswap Trail Alliance and the Lakeview Community Centre to support recovery efforts.
In the two weeks following its the creation, the NSDRS received six applications that are in the final stages of approval. The SCF said the most common request has been for power poles to connect to a trailers during rebuilding. Other requests have include lumber, windows, storage facilities for personal effects and tools of trade to enable people to get back to work and/or rebuild their homes.
Read more: Shuswap Community Foundation offering grants for wildfire recovery
Read more: Emergency fund launched to aid wildfire-scorched Shuswap communities
“Despite these early successes, all involved recognise that the recovery and rebuilding of these communities will require millions of dollars and take place over many years,” said the SCF. “Individuals and families have lost their residences and livelihoods, and the costs associated with rebuilding homes, providing psychological support, and aiding in community restoration far exceed the current available funds.
“Additional donations are crucial to ensuring a comprehensive and sustained recovery effort, enabling the Shuswap community to rebuild and heal from the lasting impact of the wildfires.”
If you are in the North Shuswap and have a need, contact North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society at info@nsdisasterrelief.ca Or visit their web site at https://www.nsdisasterrelief.ca/
If you wish to support North Shuswap communities by making a donation, contact Shuswap Community Foundation at info@shuswapfoundation.ca, or visit our website at www.shuswapfoundation.ca
Donations can also be made directly by e-transfer to info@shuswapfoundation.ca or, at any SASCU branch.
“Shuswap Community Foundation is driven by a commitment to our community’s well-being,” reads the media release “The Emergency Response Fund is a testament to this commitment, putting community-voiced priorities at the forefront of our efforts.”
