The Here4BC campaign, launched on July 18 by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) to help those impacted by the B.C. wildfires, has gained huge momentum.
56 companies and associations, including the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) and the Urban Development Institute (UDI), have committed to raise $1 million to assist British Columbians who have been displaced or lost homes and businesses as a result of the wildfires.
The Here4BC program encourages the industry to donate to the Red Cross B.C. Fire Appeal, or by contributing to the online registry of supplies, services and equipment that can be loaned or donated to the relief efforts.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the industry joining resources to help British Columbians in need,” says VRCA President Fiona Famulak.
“So far, more than $124,000 has been raised – and is increasing by the hour — with B.C. donors contributing 77 per cent of those funds.”
GVHBA CEO Bob de Wit says the wildfire devastation really hits home for members.
“Our members’ passion is in building homes and neighbourhoods for families, so seeing the incredible losses experienced by these communities has spurred many members to ask us, ‘How can we help?’ We’re proud to be part of this important initiative,” says de Wit.
“The wildfire situation doesn’t just impact the people living in those communities,” says UDI President and CEO Anne McMullin. “It touches all British Columbians, so it is important that we all work together to help those in this time of need.”
The online Here4BC fundraising campaign will run until August 31, 2017.
Visit Here4BC.ca for more information, and use the hashtag #Here4BC on social media.
