We are all watching in horror as British Columbia grapples with its devastating, widespread flooding. Four people have died and one individual is still missing, nearly 20,000 people have been forced to abandon their homes, and thousands of animals have died.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to everyone impacted as they navigate this extremely difficult time. For many of us, watching this disaster unfold upon our neighbours is triggering—a reminder that the trauma of our own flood experience is still very much with us.

If you feel compelled and are able to help, we’ve included a list of disaster aid and donation options below.

While the immediate need to keep people safe is paramount, we also understand recovery is a long-term effort.

Early predictions suggest this may become the most expensive natural disaster in Canadian history. Beyond simply repairing the province-wide damage, ensuring resiliency will require infrastructure upgrades that are expensive and often politically difficult. But they are necessary.

Our Co-President Tony Morris shared his flood experience and discussed CRCAG’s advocacy role with CBC’s Cross Country Checkup podcast this past Sunday: How is the B.C. flooding disaster affecting you? listen here (at 1:16:40).

We’ll surely keep an eye on this developing story in the coming weeks and, realistically, years to come.

How to help

• Donate to the Red Cross – British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal – 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.
• Donate to the United Way – United for BC Flood Response Fund – Funds go towards addressing important needs like housing, food assistance, trauma and mental health support.
• Donate to the Salvation Army – BC Flood Response – Crews are currently on the ground in six of the hardest-hit communities feeding and hydrating first responders and evacuees, while also providing shelter, blankets, jackets and much-needed spiritual care. Your donation will go directly towards helping these communities today and into the aftermath of these floods.
• Donate to Samaritans Purse – The organization has set up and is operating a 200-bed evacuation shelter and your funds can help hundreds of families forced to evacuate their homes. Samaritan’s Purse is currently asking for cash donations with the opportunity for people to volunteer their time at a later date.
• Donate to verified GoFundMe fundraisers – Campaigns include a number of displaced families and affected businesses.
• Give to Urgent Animal Needs via the BC SPCA – This gift will provide funding to wherever it is needed most, whether that is disaster relief, sheltering, cruelty investigations or so much more.

Media coverage (how to help):

• CTV News: – How to help: Fundraisers set up for victims of devastating B.C. storm
• Global News – Albertans step up to help thousands of B.C. flood victims
• Times Colonist – Want to help B.C. flood victims? Here’s how

Media coverage (general updates):

• CBC News – In a single week: A timeline of how once-in-a-century flooding unfolded across B.C.
• CBC News – Before-and-after satellite images show flood devastation in B.C.’s Sumas Prairie
• CTV News – Latest on B.C. flooding: Volunteer boaters told to slow down
• Globe and Mail – B.C. flooding: Latest news on storm forecasts, state of emergency, road closings and more
• Globe and Mail – B.C. flooding: death toll rises to four after highway mudslides, one person still missing as province braces for more rain
• Global News – Damage and repairs could make B.C. floods Canada’s most expensive natural disaster

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us at info@crcactiongroup.com.

Regards,

Your CRCAG Board