VANDERHOOF, BC. (August 15, 2017) – The Canadian Red Cross will be receiving more than $61,000 to add to their BC Wildfire Appeal because of the generosity of the community members within the trading area of Four Rivers Co-op which were matched by Four Rivers Co-op as well as a donation from Federated Co-operatives Limited in Saskatoon.
“Four Rivers Co-op is committed to community. Our members and customers have, once again, surprised us with the extent of their generosity in this time of need to help those impacted by the current wildfire situation,” said Allan Bieganski, General Manager of Four Rivers Co-op. “Immediately upon hearing of the initial evacuation situation, we activated our Fire Relief Fund, in which we have committed to matching the donations received from customers and members at any Four Rivers Co-op location. We also provided an immediate donation of water, diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products to the CNC evacuation centre and a fuel donation to assist the Pet Safe Coalition Society of Canada in Quesnel in transporting evacuated pets and livestock to safety.”
“Four Rivers Co-op has been collecting cash donations since July 10th at all of our sites from Quesnel in the south to Fort St. James in the North, Valemount in the east to Terrace in the west. Many of our team members and their families and friends have been impacted by the wildfires. As of August 15, 2017, Four Rivers Co-op has collected over $18,000 in donations to this fund throughout our trading area,” said Bieganski.
“Our hope during this time is for all of our communities and residents to be safe and secure,” said Trevor Livingstone, Associate Vice-President of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) Edmonton Region. “As part of a five-year, $1-million commitment, FCL will match a local Co-op’s cash or in-kind donation in support of Canadian Red Cross disaster relief efforts up to $25,000.”
The Canadian Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and they help vulnerable communities in Canada that are affected by emergencies and disasters as well as individual disasters. Following a disaster in Canada, Red Cross workers provide assistance for people’s basic needs, including family reunification, emergency lodging, emergency food, clothing and personal services. All of these services are provided in coordination with local first responders, public officials, emergency managers and in collaboration with other voluntary sector organizations
- press-release by Renee Dick, Marketing Co-ordinator, Four Rivers Co-operative