Over the next days and weeks, thousands of evacuees from wildfires in British Columbia will be returning to their home and the Red Cross will be there to assist them all through recovery.
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Imagine having to gather your family and pack only the most essential items into your car before driving away from your home, not knowing if it would be there when you returned. That is the reality for many British Columbia residents, including Bonnie Netzlaw, who was evacuated from 100 Mile House.
"Ecstatic", "grateful", "still standing" - just a few of the thoughts that were shared with us as people returned home to 100 Mile House after being forced to evacuate due to wildfires in British Columbia.
Over the past week, Canadian Red Cross volunteers from all across the country have arrived in Prince George, B.C., to support the local team. Meet some of the amazing Red Crossers that are already making a difference on the ground in Prince George.
“Babies need diapers. People need houses,” says 8-year-old Kamloops resident Jenna Kansky.
Jenna and her 7-year-old friend Isabella Sharp set-up a lemonade stand to raise funds to support the Canadian Red Cross BC Fires appeal.
“We watched the fire come over the hill towards our house,” recalls Ira Sandy, a British Columbia wildfire evacuee. “You could feel the heat and warmth from the flames.”
On Monday, Sandy evacuated from his community of Sugar Cane in northern British Columbia due to the wildfires that have been sweeping fiercely across the province. He is now staying at an evacuation centre in Prince George.
Big or small, disasters impact the entire community. These are extremely stressful times, and children and youth can feel this stress just as much as the adults in their lives. Here are some ways that parents and caregivers can help during times of disaster and emergencies.
It was a slow journey as people evacuated from Williams Lake on Saturday evening, with many driving all night to get to Kamloops. For some, the experience was almost overwhelming. After they arrive, the Red Cross is there to help register them and provide assistance.