(Image Credit: CFJC file photo)
TRU Disaster Relief Fund

TRU invites public donations to help students impacted by wildfire

Aug 30, 2026 | 11:28 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is asking the public to support students dealing with impacts of wildfires raging across the B.C. and Canada.

According to the University, the TRU Disaster Relief Fund is meant to help students stay focused on their studies through hardship.

“Evacuations, displacement, damaged property, poor air quality and unexpected expenses can create significant barriers to continuing an education,” said TRU.

TRU said its Disaster Relief Fund is available to students experiencing hardship due to wildfire, flood or other emergencies in need of financial assistance.

“Students affected by disaster are often forced to manage multiple challenges at once,” said Kim Cassar Torreggiani, vice-president of advancement and alumni relations.

“Emergency funding provides immediate support at a critical moment and helps ensure that an unexpected crisis does not derail a student’s education.”

TRU said there is significant need for support as communities deal with the impacts of wildfire, such as evacuations, property destruction and smokey skies.

“The emergency fund brought a sense of relief in an otherwise overwhelming and upsetting situation,” said Jaime Rump, a TRU student who received assistance in 2023 after her home was destroyed by wildfire.

“We did not know what our future would hold from day to day, and I was in full-time studies not working at the time, so financially I was very stressed out.”

Donations to the TRU Disaster Relief Fund can be given through the University’s website.