OSOYOOS — The Rock Creek fire was a devastating event that burned 30 homes to the ground this past August. The Southern Okanagan Disaster Relief Fund was set up shortly after and people have been helping out and fundraising behind the scenes.
Today, they presented a cheque of $31,746.03 to the Rock Creek/Westbridge Fire Unmet Needs Committee, a group that helps victims who did not have insurance or were under insured when they lost their homes.
“We just want to thank these ladies for all they’ve done and it is going to be much appreciated by the victims,” says an emotional Joyce Evans, a member of the committee.
One of the fund’s organizers, Sandy Summers, say it is important to shine a spotlight on the issue now, even three months after the fire, to keep the victims at the top of mind.
“We need to remember that it’s still happening and we need to get as much resources to these people. The fundraising should not stop,” says Summers.
The bulk of the donations, about $21,000, was raised by the Osoyoos Elks Club and local Best Western Inn through a BBQ fundraiser.
Evans says the new funds will go toward building outbuildings and pump houses to help animals and victims get through this winter.
She anticipates many of the people who lost their homes will begin rebuilding next spring.
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