Wildfire Recovery Fund
Bringing together the power of many to help those affected by BC Wildfires.
With your donation to United Way BC’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, we can provide immediate and long-term support to communities most affected by BC Wildfires.
Your donations helps us support a variety of programs and essential supports that are critical to BC residents as they recover emotionally and physically from the devastation of wildfires within our local communities. Funds go towards addressing important needs like food assistance, trauma, and mental health support.
Emergency Response & Recovery Grants
The Emergency Response Grant is open to agencies in communities supporting evacuees under Evacuation Orders. Its intent is to support the mobilization of resources to help communities and evacuees in the early days of a crisis.
The current grant is open to agencies providing immediate support to evacuees in Kootenays; North, Central, and South Okanagan; Shuswap; Similkameen; Thompson Cariboo Nicola; and Northeast, Northwest, and North Central BC.
Initial response and basic needs can include (but is not limited to):
- Food & Water
- Hygiene kits
- Gift cards for food and gas
- Blankets and supplies
- Fill gaps where they appear (local to each community)
- Pop up camps
- Addressing surge in needs & outreach due to evacuees coming to different regions or in their own communities
Please note: We are not supporting preparedness activities at this time. Grants supporting long term recovery efforts may be available at a later date.
While United Way BC does not have grants available to individuals, you can connect with our 211 service where our resource navigators will work with you to explore options and look for available supports for your situation. You can reach out 24/7 by dialing or texting 211, through email at 211-help@uwbc.ca, or through our online chat at bc.211.ca.
Our Impact
United Way British Columbia has evolved over the years, embracing an expanded role that tackles critical social issues at the local level. Increasingly this has included responding to urgent events like wildfires.
We have seen an increasing number of wildfires each year, affecting communities in devastating ways. Statistically speaking, 2023 was the worst wildfire season on record.
Our assistance doesn’t stop when the immediate crisis ends. We are committed to the well-being of our communities and work alongside those affected through recovery to help create long-term sustainability. Through our programs like Hi Neighbour and 211 British Columbia, we can respond quickly and work with community leaders and partners to meet needs.
To learn more about our impact please read the below reports.
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United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund Report 2021
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United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund: 2023 Wildfires Report
Resources
Visit our Emergency Response Resource page to download preparedness guides and more information.
Impact Stories
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Walking in Right Relations: United for the Journey
September 30 is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the survivors, families, and communities affected by Canada’s residential school system. It’s a day for reflection, education, and action.
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From Wildfire Devastation to Resilience and Food Security
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Supporting Wildfire Evacuees
Positive Living North: No Kheyok t’sih’en t’sehena Society provided much needed support with help from United Way BC’s Emergency Response Grant.
