An ad hoc committee has been struck to oversee the distribution of donated funds and resources for the residents directly affected by the fire.
The purpose of the Needs Committee is to help households and businesses meet their ongoing basic needs in order to regain pre-disaster self-sufficiency.
The committee is comprised of Les Jackman (president of the Kettle River Lions Club), Cathy Riddle (Victim Services Coordinator), Ryan van Kuik (Pastor of Boundary Community Church), Vicki Gee (Area E director for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary), and Joyce Evans (Westbridge/Christian Valley resident).
While the committee is advised by representatives from the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Mennonite Disaster Service, Interior Health, the regional district, Habitat for Humanity and other agencies, it is the members of the local committee who (on a case by case basis) decide on the placement of donated funds (keeping the decisions as local as possible).
It is the primary goal of the committee to meet immediate basic needs of those directly affected by the fire. The next priority is to assist with long-term housing solutions for those who are uninsured or under-insured. Thirdly we will work to help with other losses incurred by the fire.
To donate, stop by the Greenwood branch of the Heritage Credit Union or by mailing your donation to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (202 – 843 Rossland Ave., Trail, B.C., V1R 4S8). Please designate your donation is for the “Rock Creek/Westbridge Fire Needs Committee” and include your full name and mailing address so your tax deductible receipt can be issued.
While the regional district is handling the funds, the committee decides how and when it is spent. The committee encourages other collections of donations to either be forwarded to this fund or to be in communication with the committee.
If you have any questions or would like to recommend recipients/highlight needs, contact the committee through Vicki Gee (250-446-2042 or vgee@rdkb.com).
