Fundraiser Update: In less than 24 hours we have reached our goal! Let’s keep this momentum going and set a new goal of $22,000 - amount inspired by the year 2022. Together we can help residents of Merritt and Indigenous communities in the surrounding area recover from floods. Please help by sharing the fundraiser link. Any size donation is appreciated.
ORIGINAL POST
Bass Coast Festival is held on the shared traditional and ancestral territories of the Nłeʔkepmx and Syilx also called Merritt, BC. On Nov 15th, shortly after 7 am, relentless rain caused the Coldwater River to overrun its banks triggering an evacuation order for all 7,000 residents of Merritt and the Indigenous communities in the surrounding area. The city’s wastewater treatment system was severely damaged, many residents have lost their homes and home contents, farms have flooded affecting livestock and feed, and highways and bridges have washed out. One week later many residents are still under an evacuation order as it is not yet safe for all to return home.
We are asking our community to come together to help raise funds to help those in need. Our goal is to raise $15,000 by December 15th, 2021.
The funds raised will be distributed to the community with a focus on helping the local Indigenous communities and those most affected by the flood.
Bass Coast will be fully transparent with how the funds are distributed. This gofundme does not have charitable status and cannot provide a charitable tax receipt. If you wish to donate directly to a charitable organization in Merritt we have provided some suggestions on our basscoast.ca blog.
We are kicking off the fundraiser by donating $5,000. Any size donation is appreciated. Thank you.
DONATE HERE: GOFUNDME
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ADDITIONAL DONATION OPTIONS
Nicola Valley Food Bank
Donate to Nicola Valley Food Bank: HERE
The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank began in the 1990. They provide new and innovative ways to assist those on lower incomes in the Nicola Valley with the challenges of accessing food.
Presently they assist approx. 850 people per month by providing supplemental food hampers as well as additional specialized programs focusing on the children within those families. The need for support will increase after the recent flooding. (tax receipts available).
WEBSITE: https://www.nicolavalleyfoodbank.com
Conayt Friendship Society
E-transfer Friendship Society: CoreET@conayt.com
The Conayt Friendship Society accepts payments by e-transfer and cheque. Other arrangements can be made if these are not convenient methods for you.
Conayt Friendship Society was founded in 1968 and has been delivering community programs in the Nicola Valley since then. Conayt means “helping others” and it's at the heart of their mission. Conayt works to holistically improve the quality of life and cultural distinctiveness, and to strengthen friendship and cooperation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members in our community. They deliver a variety of support programs to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community in the Nicola Valley.
WEBSITE: https://www.conayt.com/get-involved
United Way for BC Floods
By donating to the United for BC Flood Response Fund, you will support critical relief and urgent recovery efforts in the aftermath of devastating floods that have impacted communities across the province. Your donation will assist those who are displaced or have lost housing, belongings or employment, and who have suffered physical or mental health trauma.
WEBSITE: https://donate.uwbc.ca/flood/
