Kamloops United Church is collecting donations from at home as well as from churches in our Pacific Mountain Region to support the wildfire evacuees from Lytton.

Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc has opened its land to evacuees that had to leave their homes because of wildfires. Tk’emlúps is collecting gift certificates to give to evacuees for essentials and our church community wanted to help.  This Friday (July 16th) Kamloops United Church’s Lead Custodian Bill Paul was able to present over $10,000 in gift cards to Tk’emlúps emergency operations manager Dianne Kehler, and Tk’emlúps Band Counselors Thomas Blank and Justin Gottfriedson.

Kehler says there are counsellors available for anyone who needs it as well as food and a place to stay for wildfire evacuees. She estimates the band has been feeding up to 300 people per day and lodging close to 100. She says people from any fire evacuation area are welcome to come to Tk’emlúps, though they are being told to register at McArthur Island first so their loved ones can find them.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and to all for sending love! Community is the key to healing.

If you would like to make a donation send a cheque (with a note Fire Evacuees) to Kamloops United Church 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops BC V2C 2J7 or donate online by clicking here. We will check with the leaders at Tk’emlúps and purchase the gift cards that are most needed.

Tk’emlúps emergency operations manager Dianne Kehler, and Tk’emlúps Band Counselors Thomas Blank and Justin Gottfriedson.