Your donations to our United for BC Flood Response Fund are having an impact in communities across the province

SPUD Online Grocers showed local love by delivering food and hand-knit scarves and toques to neighbours affected by flooding

Citizens around the world have been moved to support their British Columbian neighbours in need after the province experienced unprecedented flooding last month. Companies, organizations, and individuals like you demonstrated commitment to strengthening vital connections by donating over $2 million to the United for BC Flood Response Fund.

As a result of that generosity, United Way British Columbia is on the ground, working on a variety of programs and essential services that will be critical as BC residents recover physically and emotionally after the flood devastation.

Here’s how the fund is making a difference

• Remote and Indigenous communities affected by floods are receiving food, despite compromised transportation routes and damaged farmland. Through partnership with SPUD online grocers and the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society, 1,000 pounds of food have been delivered to Seabird Island First Nation in Agassiz, the Agassiz Food Bank, and Yarrow flood victims, with more to come.
• Over 70,000 tampons, pads, and other essential menstrual products have been delivered to communities severely impacted by the floods. That includes evacuation centers in the Fraser Valley, Agassiz, Hope, and Merritt.
• ICBC’s claim centres and driver licensing offices collected non-perishable food items and essential goods for United Way Flood Response.
• DoorDash is donating $25,000 in Community Credits gift cards going to Food Hubs for use in support of flood response efforts.
• Families in crisis are receiving critical relief through partnership with Mamas for Mamas such as emotional support, help navigating resources, and gift cards for groceries and stores near hotels.
• Through our partnership with SPUD, hand-knit toques and scarves were delivered to Watari Counselling and Support Services.

ICBC claim centres and driver licensing offices collected non-perishable food items and essential goods for the BC Flood Response Team to support recovery efforts.

“So many families faced their worst nightmare in this last month,” says Celena Arthur, Director of Community Engagement and Funding Development, Mamas for Mamas. “We helped a single dad and his 13-year-old after being helicoptered out from their community that was between two mud slides, a mother and her two teenage sons who were evacuated from their basement suite, and a mom of two small boys who didn’t have a vehicle and whose husband can’t get to work due to floods. We are thankful to United Way for establishing the United for BC Flood Response Fund because it’s giving us hope for the future – and it’s also giving us hope that we can do some celebrating during the holidays despite being overwhelmed by devastation. This is what community is all about.”

Celena Arthur from Mamas for Mamas works with volunteer Brenda to get Christmas hampers into helicopters for families affected by BC floods

Neighbours are still in need – you can help

To make sure no neighbours get left behind this holiday season, United Way is working with organizations like Mamas for Mamas who are collecting the following items to fill Christmas hampers:

• gift cards to purchase the most needed items (particularly for teens)
• diapers and wipes
• new clothing and shoes
• warm socks, hats and gloves
• self-care items (shampoo, soaps, candles)
• non-perishable food that has not expired (snacks are encouraged)
• brand new unused, unwrapped toys.

Donations will be accepted at the Mamas for Mamas office (123-11121 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, BC). Donations will be accepted throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

The United for BC Flood Response Fund is continuing to bring community spirit to the forefront – especially a time when many neighbours impacted by floods are wondering what the holidays will bring. The fund will support those who are displaced or have lost housing, belongings and/or employment, suffered physical or mental health trauma, and emerging needs. The power of many is helping those affected by BC flooding, but our neighbours still need help. To contribute to the United for BC Flood Response Fund, visit: donate.uwbc.ca/flood

Everyone at Watari was very happy to receive cozy matching scarves and toques!