Community rallies behind wildfire evacuees as donation drive delivers support
Organizers stand in front of piles of donations for evacuees, Monday. (Image Credit: Kim Heizmann/Facebook)
Two Vernon organizations are coming together to help wildfire evacuees who have been forced from their homes and left with little more than the clothes they were wearing.
Packman Opens Hearts and Oakwyn Realty have launched a donation drive to collect essential items for families impacted by the recent wildfires.
Tracey Miller, co-founder of Packman Opens Hearts, says the community has already shown an incredible amount of support, with evacuees welcomed at the organization’s weekly community meal.
Miller says some families have lost their homes, vehicles and personal belongings, and many escaped with only what they could carry.
The organizations are accepting donations of essential items, including:
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products
- New socks and underwear
- New or gently used clothing in all sizes
- Shoes and boots
- Blankets, bedding, pillows and towels
- Baby supplies, diapers and wipes
- Pet food and pet supplies
- Non-perishable food
- Household essentials and cleaning supplies
- Gift cards for groceries, fuel, Walmart, Canadian Tire, pharmacies and other essential retailers
Financial donations are also being accepted by e-transfer at packmanopenshearts@gmail.com. Organizers say all funds raised will go toward purchasing essential supplies and supporting wildfire evacuees as needs arise.
Anyone looking to donate items can contact Packman Opens Hearts through its Facebook page, by email at packmanopenshearts@gmail.com, or by calling Tracey Miller at 250-307-2221 to arrange drop-off or pickup.
Organizers say the goal is to make sure families affected by the wildfires have the support and resources they need as they begin the process of rebuilding.
