Rotarians in Kamloops want to help wildfire victims

Nov 16, 2017 | 9:22 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Rotary Clubs of Kamloops and Area want to help people affected by last summer’s destructive wildfires.

They’ve raised money, formed a board and have set up a wildfire recovery fund with around $40,000 to distribute, but they haven’t had any takers so far.

“We tried getting the word out and were completely unsuccessful in gathering applicants for help,” says board member Brad Serl.

As for who they’d potentially assist, Serl says Rotary is targeting capital projects.

“We know that $40,000, when we’re looking at rebuilding an entire home, wouldn’t do that much and there’s other organizations better situated to help with that like the Red Cross,” he says. “We are most interested in helping the people who may have fallen through the cracks, those who couldn’t access the funds through other sources.”

Serl says an example of projects it may fund are things like rebuilding a tool shed, where the shed is the primary income generator for somebody.

He adds anyone in B.C. can apply for help and can apply through the Facebook page, “Rotary Clubs of Kamloops and Area Wildfire Recovery Fund.”