By Jill Sperling

Delta man cooks up free meals for wildfire evacuees in Kamloops

Jul 12, 2017 | 12:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — Jamie Leighton couldn’t stand by while fires blazed around B.C., displacing thousands of people from their homes, so he packed up his trailer and headed for Kamloops.

The owner of the BBQ catering service, Porkmafia says he knew making the trip out from the Lower Mainland was the right thing to do.

“I have other equipment, I have support from Johnston’s Meat Packers down in Chilliwack, supplied me with a bunch of meat, and I came up here and just started cooking, feeding people, making their day a little bit better,” Leighton said.

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Leighton has cooked up around 600 pounds of meat so far, and he’s prepared to serve up even more to those in need of a free meal.

“We’re serving 12:00 this afternoon til 12:00 tonight. So, if you show up we’ll feed you.”

It’s not the first time Leighton and Porkmafia have helped out in a time of need.

When tens of thousands were evacuated from Fort McMurray last summer, Leighton made the long drive to Alberta. 

“I was at home, saw what was going on, so I packed my stuff up and went out there,” Leighton said. “It was like a life changing moment.” 

For Dean Bittner and his family, who are camping at the Tk’emlups Indian Band Powwow Grounds after being evacuated from 100 Mile House, the kindness of people like Leighton doesn’t go unnoticed. 

“We’re pretty amazed at what people are giving away, it’s unreal,” Bittner said. 

Bittner says he’s a bit surprised more people haven’t taken advantage of the free camping spot and meals. 

“They’ve been feeding us, good food, showers are there. It’s been awesome actually.”

There was plenty of food available Wednesday morning for breakfast, but the seats were nearly empty. 

However, Leighton will continue to provide food until he leaves Thursday night. 

“I came Monday, and I’m doing whatever I can,” Leighton said. “Hopefully someone else will come and take my place.”