One Year Later, Red Cross remains committed to support flood victims
By Boundary Sentinel
In a media release, the Canadian Red Cross provided an update Tuesday on the relief and recovery work taking place in the B.C. Regional District of Kootenay Boundary more than a year after devastating floods forced thousands to evacuate their homes.
The 2018 B.C. Floods Fund has reached a total of $7.2 million thanks to the Government of B.C. and generous Canadians. To date, the Red Cross has spent or committed $5.2 million, which represents 71 per cent of the total funds.
“Recovery from a disaster like this can take a long time, but I’ve seen just how strong this community is and I have no doubt that they will recover,” said Elysia Dempsey, Vice President, Emergency Management, British Columbia & Yukon, Canadian Red Cross.
“We know this is a challenging time for many people so, alongside our partners, the Red Cross will continue to be there for the community on its path to recovery.”
Red Cross said case workers continue to meet with individuals and families who are experiencing unmet needs due to the flooding and residents still needing help are encouraged to reach out to the Red Cross, even if it is for the first time.
The Red Cross said it knows that needs emerge over time and at this stage in recovery those who may have been coping up until now can face unexpected challenges.
“I was in Grand Forks in early April to participate in the community’s emergency preparedness fair, and once again, I was floored by the strength of the community just a year after the region’s destructive flooding,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness.
“Myself and the province are committed to working alongside our partners in Grand Forks and supporting the important work being done by organizations including the Red Cross. By working together, we can make sure we see this resilient community through the recovery process.”
Community-wide support through the Red Cross Community Partnerships Program is ongoing and further applications are being accepted for projects which help both individuals or the community as a whole in their recovery from the 2018 floods.
The Red Cross continues to work closely with government, local communities and Indigenous leaders to ensure needs are met, particularly for those most vulnerable.
Quick Facts:
The generosity of Canadians and the Government of B.C. has helped the Canadian Red Cross provide support in the following ways:
- $3.4 million allocated ($3.2 million spent and committed to date) to support individuals and families
- $0.5 million allocated ($0.3 million spent and committed to date) to support community groups
- $3.2 million allocated ($1.6 million spent and committed to date) to support eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations
The full financial summary as of April 30, 2019 can be found in the British Columbia Floods One Year Donor Update.
- Provided more than 440 households with financial assistance.
- Supported over 100 eligible small businesses and not-for-profits with financial assistance through the Support to Small Business program
- Distributed over 840 clean-up kits to help individuals and families as they returned home
- Managed and supported 2 shelters and 2 reception centres.
- Conducted more than 1,500 one-on-one meetings with individuals and families to help support them as they move forward with their personal recovery.
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