To help people impacted by the recent devastating flooding, the B.C. government is encouraging British Columbians to donate to the Canadian Red Cross and will match contributions up to a total of $20 million, Premier John Horgan has announced.

“British Columbians will always be there for each other in times of crisis,” Premier Horgan said. “We’re seeing incredible strength and resilience in communities affected by flooding – and British Columbians from all corners of the province want to provide a helping hand. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will provide vital help in a time of greatest need for so many people and communities.”

 The B.C. government has chosen to work with the Red Cross because of the agency’s experience in co-ordinating relief efforts in previous provincial disasters and because it is uniquely positioned to receive and distribute donations from Canadians in relation to disasters, especially to those most vulnerable. The dollar-for-dollar donation campaign will run from May 16 to July 31, 2018, and will apply to any individual donations from British Columbians.

The best way to support people affected by the floods is through a financial donation. Those wishing to help are encouraged to make a financial donation to the B.C. Floods Appeal in one of the following ways:

• Online: redcross.ca
• by calling 1 800 418-1111
• by texting BCFLOODS to 30333 to make a $10 donation (billed to your phone)
• by contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office

Donations to the Red Cross will support individuals, families and communities that were affected by the flooding. Support will be provided based on needs identified across impacted regions, in co-operation with the efforts of local and provincial government programs, and may include assistance with urgent needs like food, shelter, or clothing, as well as re-entry and longer term recovery.

The Canadian Red Cross is already supporting local authorities to meet the urgent needs of thousands of flood-impacted residents in B.C.

• Red Cross teams have been contracted to provide surge support to local emergency social services teams (ESS) who are supporting affected residents at reception centres in Grand Forks and Midway.

The Canadian Red Cross is working alongside provincial and local governments, and First Nations, to plan how to best support individuals, families and communities in the days and weeks ahead.

• Flooding in B.C. has forced the evacuation of almost 2,000 properties
• The Red Cross has volunteers and relief supplies in affected communities.
• Additional Red Cross relief supplies are pre-positioned across the country, ready to be deployed, if needed.

The Red Cross provides support for needs, not loss, and works collaboratively with other assistance providers to avoid duplication.

Assistance to affected families is provided through locally-managed Emergency Social Services Programs that make available short-term food and lodging help to those displaced by floods or wildfire. The Red Cross augments the support already provided by the volunteers operating the ESS system.

This week, government announced that it will provide compensation to those who were unable to obtain flood insurance, through the Disaster Financial Assistance Program. The program will cover up to 80% of costs to eligible businesses and homeowners, farm owners, residential tenants and charitable organizations.

Flood-affected residents are encouraged to register with the relevant local authority for emergency social services and with the Canadian Red Cross for further assistance. Registration allows people to receive urgent assistance, helps reunite loved ones separated by disaster and allows people to receive important updates and services.

Learn More­­­:­­­­­

For emergency information and a complete list of registration locations and contacts, visit: emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

Or follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC

Canadian Red Cross: http://www.redcross.ca/

Emergency Social Services: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/volunteers/emergency-social-services