Donations continue to pour in for those displaced by an apartment fire in Campbell River.
Last Wednesday’s blaze at the Pacific Heights complex at 9th Avenue and Dogwood Street has left 96 people without a home.
Those affected by the fire have been provided with food, clothing and accommodation under the province’s Emergency Support Services program.
They’ve also been put up at the Discovery Inn downtown and will be staying there until April 23.
The Laichwiltach Family Life Society is one of the donation hubs.
Executive director Audrey Wilson said their gym is full of donated items, and offers to help out keep coming in.
The office also just received $2,000 worth of gift cards to distribute to the residents.
“We’ve received numerous donations,” Wilson added. “Just from over the weekend, when I came into the office this morning, we had 45 messages from people wanting to donate, still. I thought ‘Wow, okay!’ It’s been great.”
Wilson said she’s impressed by the flood of support.
“It shows that the community really cares and supports the families here, and that’s been awesome, (it’s) been really great,” she added. “We have people calling from Cortes (Island), Victoria.”
Wilson said people are wanting to donate furniture but at this point, “let’s get through the clothes, first.”
Backpacks and suitcases are much needed, considering the residents will need something to pack their things into, down the road.
That said, cash donations are the best way to provide support.
Online donations are accepted at:
- John Howard Society: https://johnhoward.ca/donate (under donation details, write Pacific Heights Apartment Fire);
- United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island: https://www.uwcnvi.ca; and
- Canadian Red Cross: www.redcross.ca/donate
As well, a Facebook page called Support Fire Evacuees has been created to gather donations for those impacted by the fire.
You can still donate items through the Laichwiltach Family Life Society. Call 250-286-3430 to arrange a drop off.
Volunteers are working to ensure all items are clean and properly sanitized to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
