As Fort McMurray continues to battle with a massive wildfire, a B.C. community is taking matters into their own hands to help those who have been displaced.
Chilliwack residents came together to donate essential goods to people affected by the fire.
After just a few hours they had 159 feet worth of supplies.
“It started as a random idea ,” organizer Gordon VanLaerhoven told Global News. “I knew I would have help from family and friends but I did not know the community was going to come together like this. ”
He says they are close to their goal of filling up the three semi-trailers with diapers, baby formula, dry food, water, toiletries, and other supplies.
VanLaerhoven works for Bulldog Transport, which has given two of its trucks to take the supplies. A second company, Van Dokkumburg, has helped with the third truck.
VanLaerhoven says the amount of donations have been overwhelming.
They will be at the Chilliwack Mall accepting donations tomorrow until 3 p.m. before they leave for Lac La Biche, where many evacuees have found shelter.
People wishing to help can join them tomorrow. He adds they will be accepting cash donations as well to help pay for gasoline and food for the drivers.
He says gasoline for the semis can be as much as $5,500.
For more information on how to help visit their Facebook page.