Just one day after Lytton, B.C broke heat records as the hottest place ever in Canada at 49.6 degrees, wildfires tore through the area destroying over 90% of the community, leaving many terrified and without a home.

Many of Lytton’s residents were evacuated without much warning to gather belongings, warn neighbours or and save their pets. Now may former residents of Lytton are left without a home, clothing or necessities.

While officials determine the scale of destruction left by the wildfire, the search for residents still unaccounted for continues, leaving many British Columbians looking for ways they help.

GOFUNDME

GoFundMe has built a hub with verified GoFundMe campaigns from across British Columbia, allowing people to support those affected by the B.C. wildfires.

You can access this HUB HERE.

SAVAGE SOCIETY

Savage Society and 2 Rivers Remix Society have started a fundraiser on behalf of folks in Lytton, BC, friends, pets, Elders and young ones, who have had to flee their homes and are experiencing much loss.

You can donate to the Savage Society’s GOFUNDME account HERE.

LYTTON FIRST NATION COMMUNITY EMERGENCY SUPPORT

From Rosalin Miles: “Lytton and the surrounding area has experienced tragic losses from the fire. We are still trying to account for all our people, and countless family homes were lost. We are raising funds to support community members during this horrible emergency and to help us rebuild. On behalf of Lytton First Nation we have created this page and we are a qualified done with Charity status and can provide tax receipts. All funds will directly benefit the Lytton community. We appreciate any support and prayers for our people”.

You can DONATE HERE.

LYTTON RELIEF FUND

Organized by Tuckkwiowhum Village

The Boston Bar First Nations and Tuckkwiowhum Village, with the help of our Tourism Partners in the Fraser Valley, are collecting donations on behalf of those affected by the Lytton, BC wildfire. Our fundraisers and donation centres are setup and your donations will be distributed directly to all those affected by the Lytton fire. All donations will be immediately distributed to those in need. Records of our fundraising efforts and distributions will be made available as we proceed and you can expect full transparency with our fundraising efforts. We would like to thank everyone who has volunteered or donated so far! We are working hard to get your donations in the hands of those in need!

For more information of how you can help and where you can drop off donations please visit: https://www.thefraservalley.ca/blog/2021/7/1/lytton-wildfire-relief-efforts

Visit their GOFUNDME HERE.

CANADIAN RED CROSS

The Canadian Red Cross is another place you can donate to support victims of this devastating wildfire. Donations are being accepted online HERE.

You can also call The Canadian Red Cross at their toll-free family reunification phone line at 1-800-863-6582.

LOCAL TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS

Tourism associations across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley are working together to collect donations for evacuees and fire victims.

The following locations are accepting:

  • Gift certificates for gas, groceries, pharmacies, and other essential services
  • New/unused baby items, such as: bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.
  • Personal electronic devices: (cell phones, chargers, batteries, computers, laptops, etc.)
  • Camping supplies

Donation enquiries can be made to the Hope Visitor Centre at 604-869-2021.

 

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
A motorist watches from a pullout on the Trans-Canada Highway as a wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton, B.C., Thursday, July 1, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

 

Evacuation centres have been set up to assist anyone evacuating from a community under threat from a wildfire at the following locations:

Castlegar: Castlegar Community Complex, 2102 6th Ave.
Chilliwack: Chilliwack Senior Secondary, 46363 Yale Rd.
Kelowna: Salvation Army, 1480 Sutherland Ave.
Merritt: Merritt Civic Centre, 1950 Mamette Ave.

Anyone evacuated is being encouraged to register with Emergency Support Services online, even if they have access services to an evacuation centre.

For anyone looking for loved ones, you’re being asked to contact the Canadian Red Cross for family reunification services at 1-800-863-6582.