Donations overwhelm local organizations

For the first time, possibly ever, the Nicola Valley Food Bank is asking the public not to donate. Thanks to the outpouring of support over the past few days, the Food Bank is stocked to the rafters and quite simply out of room for any more donations at this time. The same can be said for those accepting donations at the Shulus Arena and at the Civic Centre in Merritt.

“The generosity of Merrittonains has been absolutely incredible. We are incredibly grateful for everything that has been sent in, but please we can’t accept any more goods at this time. We simply don’t have anywhere to put them,” said EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis.

Lowis added that a great spot for Merrittonains looking to make a donation is to the United Way, who just set up a Wildfire Relief Fund.

United Way British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland, Central & Northern Vancouver Island, has re-launched The United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund – bringing together the power of many to help those affected by BC Wildfires. With the launch of this campaign, United Way British Columbia (UWBC) is making an initial $200K investment and appeals to the public to contribute to the fund.

To contribute to the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund, visit: https://donate.uwbc.ca/

Over the weekend more evacuation orders were established around BC with some evacuees being directed to Merritt. Despite the City already being utilized by evacuees from Lytton and other fires, Lowis confirmed there is still room for more.

“If there are any further evacuations, we definitely got room for more people at the moment,” said Lowis.

With less evacuees arriving in Merritt, the ESS at the Civic Centre is reducing to 12-hours per day, 9-9. Should more evacuations be triggered, the Service will expand hours again.