By Anneliese Sanghara and Andrew Hopkins, Canadian Red Cross in B.C. Photos by Andrew Hopkins.
Fire races through a picturesque valley in southeast B.C. People flee the charging flames, some in just their bathing suits after a swim in the Kettle River. In just a few hours, in August 2015, a raging wildfire forced people from Rock Creek to Westbridge to drop everything, and evacuate.
The blaze destroyed 30 homes, but it strengthened a partnership between the Canadian Red Cross and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) to deliver Emergency Social Services.
“When disasters happen, and people have to get out of their homes, they leave a lot behind,” said Dan Derby, Regional Emergency Coordinator at the RDKB. “They need help with things like food, clothing and lodging. The Red Cross and their volunteers helped us quickly get that assistance to people who needed it.”
He says the Red Cross can provide important leadership for volunteers and staff trying to coordinate a complex response.
“We saw the benefit of having the Red Cross at our side at the planning table,” said Derby. “They centralized all the conversations and decisions, while at the same time providing support directly to residents.”
Over the months that followed, the Red Cross also served as a member of the Unmet Needs Committee that helped Rock Creek area residents replace necessities like firewood for heating, and winter tires to help get them to work.
“I’m comfortable knowing that when we need support for a small or large-scale event, Red Cross workers are only one phone call away, and together, we’ll get help to those who need it,” said Derby.
Until Oct. 28, you can help the Canadian Red Cross respond after a disaster by visiting your local Walmart. You can make a donation at the tills, and your money will go to help people impacted by disasters in your community.
“The Red Cross helps people get back on their feet and recover,” said Derby. “Our partnership with the Canadian Red Cross was key in responding to this fire, and we could not have done it without them.”
Every three and a half hours, the Red Cross responds to a disaster, such as a house fire, flood or tornado, across Canada. Last year, 46,973 Canadians received Red Cross assistance. Each year, Walmart stores across Canada dedicate several weeks to support the Red Cross in helping Canadians prepare for, as well as recover from, disaster. The funds raised at each store are used where they are needed most, providing assistance to those affected by a disaster.
Visit
www.redcross.ca/walmartcampaign or head to your local Walmart to donate today.