Staff members of the OK Corral and Cabaret know the feeling of being under an evacuation alert.
In 2003, wildfires destroyed 239 buildings in Kelowna.
Now, the Corral is holding a fundraiser to provide resources to evacuees affected by the current B.C. wildfires.
“With our past history of forest fires in the Okanagan, there’s so many of us who want to do something, but don’t know what to do,” said public relations manager for the Corral, Angie Cowry. She added this was a way for the staff to get involved.
The nightclub is also accepting donations which can be dropped off at the club’s location at 1978 Kirschner Rd.
“We’ve went through local fires in Kelowna and we know the feeling of just watching and feeling helpless. As we all want to do something to help we are happy to do something that will make a difference,” said manager Andy Bowie.
The Corral is asking for donations of gas cards,canned meat, baby food and formula, baby bottles, pillows, towels, first aid kits, children’s shoes, sanitary wipes and water.
Message the OK Corral on Facebook to join the convoy of trucks heading to Kamloops or Princeton Saturday, July 22 with relief items. The meeting will start at The OK Corral parking lot at 10 a.m.
The fundraiser will be held July 20 with a performance by Kelowna’s Lost N Found.
The local YMCA is also getting on board to provide resources for evacuees.
All YMCAs are opening their doors to people impacted by the wildfires. The YMCA has 12 locations in Prince George, Kamloops, Victoria, Kelowna and the Lower Mainland.
“We invite evacuees to visit the YMCAs listed below to shower and clean up, rest in a safe space or take part in a drop-in program like basketball, fitness classes or swimming,” said CEO of the YMCA of Northern B.C. Amanda Alexander.
The YMCA’s Kelowna locations are on Doyle Avenue, Hartman Road and at the H2O Adventure and Fitness Centre on Gordon Drive.
Big White Ski Resort is also opening its doors for wildfire evacuees with pet friendly options.
