In response to the unprecedented flooding in Southern BC, many British Columbians have been reaching out to offer their support for those impacted, and are especially worried for our farmers in the Sumas Prairie region of Abbotsford. A number of organizations have stepped up to coordinate aid for those in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and beyond.

Here is a list of many of the agencies helping with flood relief in BC and the ways in which members of the public can help:

 

Donate to the British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal – https://donate.redcross.ca/page/94172/donate/1
The Canadian Red Cross is working to get help to people in and around affected areas as quickly as possible and provide humanitarian assistance for new needs as they arise. Money raised will enable the Red Cross to carry out relief, recovery, resiliency and risk reduction activities in and beyond the region at the individual and community levels.

 

Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund – https://abbotsfordcf.org/grants/disaster/
The Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF), the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the University of the Fraser Valley have been following the impact of the flooding on and around our community. In response we have jointly established the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will support front-line agencies providing essential services to affected families and businesses.

 

Abbotsford Food Bank Donations During BC Flooding – https://archway.ca/donate/flood/
The Abbotsford food bank is reaching out to the community to help refill their supplies of food and donations towards increased procurement costs.

 

Hope Food Bank Donations – https://hopecommunityservices.com/donate/
Help support the community of Hope with financial donations for much-needed food and supply purchases.

 

Chilliwack Food Bank Donations – https://www.comserv.bc.ca/
Help support the community of Chilliwack with financial or food and goods donations for much-needed food and supplies.

 

Government of British Columbia Disaster Financial Assistance – https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuee-guidance/disaster-financial-assistance
After a disaster, the provincial government may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). Once declared, the DFA program may compensate applicants for essential uninsurable losses.

 

United Way for BC Flood Response Fund – https://uwbc.ca/flood/
A variety of programs and essential supports will be critical as BC residents respond and recover physically and emotionally from the devastation of floods throughout our province. The United for BC Flood Response Fund will play an important role in helping affected communities in the aftermath of these floods. Funds go towards addressing important needs like housing, food assistance, trauma and mental health support.

 

Canadian Blood Services – https://myaccount.blood.ca/en/donate
In many parts of the Fraser Valley, blood donations are needed. Donors can visit the Canadian Blood Services website for details.

 

MCC Clothing – Call 604.854.4174
For those in Abbotsford, MCC Clothing at 31872 South Fraser Way is accepting donations of clothing for the flood evacuees. Call to find out what is specifically needed.

 

MCC Thrift – Call 604.854.2062 or email bcthrift@mccbc.ca
Located at 33933 Gladys Avenue in Abbotsford is currently accepting donations for flood evacuees. Please contact them to find out what is required.

 

Resources compiled by BC Chicken and the City of Abbotsford.