You don’t need to own a truck and trailer to send help to B.C.’s wildfire victims.
Several individuals, businesses and organizations have worked quickly to gather up local resources in the best ways they know how. From by-donation yoga classes, to free hay and tip jars, Chilliwack’s generosity has shown through this week. Here are just a few samples of the good deeds going on so far(click on the underlined words for links with further information):
Hay donations
TNT Hay and Cattle Sales in Chilliwack is donating 600 bales of Timothy hay to farmers and ranchers affected by the fires.
“Just send us a message explaining your situation and we can coordinate pick up,” they’ve written on their Facebook page.
Namaste
Studio B Yoga in Garrison will be offering a series of by donation yoga classes from July 18-24 to help raise awareness and collect funds to pass along to The Red Cross, BC Wildfires Relief Funds.
“We are a small business that has a platform, team and community that can help,” they say. “We are still organizing details but expect to see several regular scheduled classes to be by donation with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated.”
Once classes are confirmed, they will be updating information on their Facebook page. For further information, phone 604-846-5225.
Creative tips
Musician Trevor McDonald was blown away by the support of local diners. At his regular Tuesday gig at the Cultus Lake Beach Club, he generally puts out a tip jar for the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope. But this week, he decided to raise money for the people and animals in B.C.’s interior.
They donated $600 to the cause.
“Amazing generosity from really beautiful people who are just there to order dinner!!!” he enthused on Facebook. “My heart is FULL! BRAVO!”
Restorative help
Chilliwack Restorative Justice’s aim is to help make things right in the world. So it’s a given that they are stepping up to help. They have been actively collecting donations and will be sending some of that support up with a truck scheduled to leave Chilliwack later this week. They are accepting e-transfers, and will be using those donations to shop for gifts cards and essentials.
They are also getting a 20 foot box from Big Steel Box Abbotsford (donated) which will be delivered to Kamloops by the end of next week. The box will be held at Townsend Park over the weekend and will be accepting donations on Friday from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They’ve named their efforts Rise Above the Ashes. For more information, email riseaboveashes2017@gmail.com.
Animal care
Pauline Whipple has already been up to Kamloops with one pickup truck load of pet supplies, and is eager to go again.
“I did it because I can,” the Chilliwack cab driver said. “I’m not as worried about the people so much but I’m worried about the fur babies.”
She loaded her truck with about $1,000 in pet food and supplies and delivered it to the SPCA care unit at Thompson Rivers University. She is asking that people who want to donate supplies for her next trip up, bring it to the Restorative Justice drop off mentioned above. Whipple says poop bags, food, blankets and shavings are all suggested pet items.
Student power
Middle school and high school students from across Chilliwack want to do something to help. They are holding a Stuff A Truck on Saturday July 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Central Community Church (46100 Chilliwack Central Rd.) The event is being planned by the Central Community Church Student Ministry, in conjunction with the Chilliwack Salvation Army.
They are asking for canned food items, pop top cans, diapers and wipes, toiletries, gift cards, water, power drinks, and cash. There will also be a barbecue by donation going directly to those in need. For more information or a list of things needed contact Pastor Jon at jonathan@central365.org.
Text donations
Those who want to help are also able to donate to the Red Cross. Donations will help provide immediate relief such as cots, blankets, family reunification and financial assistance for food, clothing and personal needs, according to the Red Cross. You can text FIRES to 45678 to donate $10, and it will be added to your phone bill.