Red Cross assists evacuated travelers and opens Resilience Centre in Bella Coola

Note: The following appeal is now closed.  You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross

 

The Canadian Red Cross continues to respond to recent flooding in British Columbia. Hundreds of people have been affected by the flooding, which has damaged property and infrastructure, forcing people from their homes and stranding travelers. Port Hardy on the north east coast of Vancouver Island has been particularly hard hit, as have the mainland coastal communities of Kingcome Inlet and Bella Coola.

In the storm’s aftermath, 26 families from Canada and the United States, travelling in the region, found themselves stranded in Bella Coola for more than a week. They were initially without power and had limited water and food for themselves and, in some cases, their pets. Over the weekend three flights of travellers were evacuated to the Vancouver airport where they were first provided with a friendly smile and the listening ear of a local Canadian Red Cross volunteer. They received any necessary emergency assistance, including accommodations for most. The travellers’ vehicles arrived by barge early Tuesday morning so they could then complete their journey home. 

To assist Bella Coola residents affected by the recent flooding, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Regional District to operate a Resilience Centre in Bella Coola. The Centre opened October 3 and is a central resource where families can request financial assistance. Thirty four households have been assisted to date, helping more than 50 people.

Financial donations in support of B.C. Floods Response can be made online at www.redcross.ca, by calling 1-800-418-1111, and at your local Red Cross office. Please make your cheque or money order payable to "The Canadian Red Cross" and identify on the cheque or money order that it is for the: “B.C. Floods Response."  Assistance provided by the Canadian Red Cross will not duplicate assistance provided through insurance, government or other agencies.

The work of the Canadian Red Cross would not be possible without generous donations from the public and corporate supporters, such as Walmart Canada, Rona and BC Ferries. 

The Resilience Centre is located in the Banquet Room at the Bella Coola Inn at 441 Mackenzie Street, Bella Coola. The Centre will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM until October 17th.  Individuals and families are asked to please call ahead to 250-718-4636 to book an appointment with a Canadian Red Cross case worker.  Appointments can also be made in person.