As fires continue to devastate British Columbia, United Way is mobilizing efforts through “United for BC Wildfire Recovery,” a national initiative preparing for the recovery and rebuilding of communities across the province.

Today, United Way is launching “United for BC Wildfire Recovery” – a campaign to raise funds for important social needs like finding permanent housing, food assistance, trauma and mental health supports, and rebuilding social infrastructure to meet community needs once the fires die down and residents return home.

“Recovery from a crisis like the B.C. wildfires will be a long process spanning months to several years,” says Danalee Baker, Executive Director of United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo. “Recovery and rebuilding will look different for each community as well as each individual and family. It might be as simple as cleaning out a fridge, or as intensive as re-building a home from scratch or dealing with depression as a result of trauma. What will be the same for everyone is the fear and uncertainty that such a crisis brings.”

Funds raised through this initiative will stay in BC to support the greatest needs of affected communities. As the fire season evolves, this list will expand. People can support “United for BC Wildfire Recovery” by making a donation or signing up to volunteer for recovery efforts at www.unitedforbcwildfires.ca .

“Our hearts go out to all those affected,” says Kathy Conway, Board Chair of UWCSO. “We are still reeling from the terrible fire in Okanagan Centre, but hoping that we don’t see further devastation in our region. We are preparing to mobilize should we need to and learning from the amazing efforts of volunteers and agencies in neighbouring regions.”

United Way’s information and referral initiative, bc211.ca, has recently expanded to cover the entire province with live web-chat and enhanced, centralized wildfire information to augment current communication channels to support the immediate needs of those in crisis.

United Way CSO has started a Social Recovery Task Force contact list to synchronise efforts to focus resources on the greatest needs. United Way is working closely with long-time partner Red Cross, Salvation Army and local regional districts to coordinate all activities related to recovery.

Photo courtesy of www.unitedforbcwildfires.ca