When John Donnelly first heard about the wildfires ravaging the B.C. Interior, his emotions took over. The images of people fleeing their homes and scenes of fires destroyed buildings were unforgettable.
B次元官网网址淚 was fairly upset,B次元官网网址� said Donnelly, a Victoria resident. B次元官网网址淚t really affected me. I lived there, I know people there, I was a part of it. To see it just being destroyed, itB次元官网网址檚 just heartbreaking.B次元官网网址�
A number of wildfires have ripped through B.C.B次元官网网址檚 interior in recent weeks. Cache Creek was the first town evacuated as the Ashcroft Reserve wildfire ripped through the town almost two weeks ago. The largest fire in the province is now the Hanceville-Riske Creek complex, in which a series of smaller fires have merged to form a 98,000-hectare blaze about 60 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.
The fires have since displaced more than 45,000 people.
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Wanting to help, Donnelly sprang into action to organize a benefit luncheon in Victoria on Aug. 10 to support families forced out of their homes by the wildfires. The hope is to raise $40,000 with the event, hosted at the Union Club of B.C. on Gordon Street.
The Interior holds a special place in DonnellyB次元官网网址檚 heart. He worked in Kamloops from 1983 to 1995, managing a large insurance company, and would take business trips to areas between Williams Lake and Osoyoos.
B次元官网网址淚 know how quickly the fires can move up there with all the wild grass, sagebrush, trees and the dryness in the summer time,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 knew it was going to be a large event because they just donB次元官网网址檛 have the resources to put them [the fires] all out at once. I knew it would be a devastating thing for the people living there B次元官网网址� this is going to affect them for the rest of their lives and whatever we can do to help them is a real benefit.B次元官网网址�
Funds raised with the luncheon will be donated to the Red Cross to be distributed to affected families. While the provincial and federal governments have yet to announce a program to match donations, Donnelly hopes one will be implemented to help him reach his fundraising goal.
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This isnB次元官网网址檛 the first time heB次元官网网址檚 stepped up to help a community in need. Last year, when fire ripped through Fort McMurray, Donnelly raised $10,000 with a fundraiser at the Union Club.
The Thursday, Aug. 10 luncheon includes a speech by B.C.B次元官网网址檚 Lt-Gov. Judith Guichon and takes place from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $100. To reserve seats, call the Union Club at 250-384-1151 or email info@unionclub.com. Reservations can be made up until two days before the event. Tax receipts will also be issued.
