Image credit: Dave Barry/CFJC Today

By Aaron Schulze

Shuswap Aid

Kamloops residents aiming to pack 53-foot trailer with goods for Shuswap residents

Aug 23, 2023 | 11:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops woman is hoping to fill a 53-foot trailer with goods for Shuswap residents in need.

Abbey Bereti told CFJC Today the damage caused by the Bush Creek East wildfire in the Shuswap, and the evacuations that followed it, hit close to home as her family owns a house in Anglemont.

“I worked together with some friends, and we were able to locate somebody with a truck [Trick Transports] and they were able to get a trailer from Purity Feeds; they donated their trailer today to help out,” Bereti says.

The truck and trailer are parked at Aberdeen Mall next to Cineplex Cinemas. Bereti and volunteers are hoping to fill the trailer with nonperishable food items, pet food, and water, along with health and safety items such as N95 masks, eye drops, hard hats and safety glasses. Bereti is quick to point out they are not accepting any cash donations.

Image credit: Abbey Bereti

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Additionally, anyone who wants to donate household items are asked to bring them in boxes or bins to help volunteers pack the trailer efficiently. Batteries, condiments, medical kits, socks, wipes and work gloves are also required.

The truck and trailer will be parked until they must depart for the Shuswap at 4 p.m.

Bereti emphasizes the truck driver has a permit to enter the evacuation zone. From there, the goods will be donated to as many residents in multiple Shuswap communities.

“It’s going to have a very far reach… we would love to see the community come together on this,” Bereti says.