Vancity supports B.C. wildfire response with $25,000 donation

As communities across British Columbia continue to respond to the impacts of an active wildfire season, Vancity Community Foundation (VCF) is contributing $25,000 from Vancity's Humanitarian and Climate Fund to support organizations providing relief and recovery assistance to affected communities.

The funding will be shared equally between United Way BC and the First Nations' Emergency Services Society (FNESS), with each organization receiving $12,500 to support wildfire response efforts across the province.

United Way BC is currently supporting Shxwhá:y Village First Nation near Chilliwack as the community welcomes evacuees from the Boston Bar area, helping provide food, essential supplies, and other immediate needs. The organization is also positioned to support additional communities as needs emerge.

FNESS is an Indigenous-led organization that supports First Nations communities impacted by emergencies across British Columbia. Its work includes emergency response coordination, structure protection, recovery planning, mental health supports, and long-term community resilience initiatives.

"The wildfires affecting communities across British Columbia are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been displaced, impacted, or is supporting response efforts," said Andrea Harris, VP Impact Strategy at Vancity. "Through these donations, we're supporting organizations that are providing critical assistance where it's needed most. We also encourage those who are able to join us in supporting relief and recovery efforts for affected communities."

"United Way BC is grateful for Vancity's support, as it will allow us to remain responsive in supporting communities across BC that have been impacted by wildfires this summer," said United Way British Columbia President and CEO Michael McKnight. "From Shxwhá:y Village First Nation to Summerland, United Way BC has been on the ground to address the immediate needs of wildfire-ravaged communities, while laying the groundwork to support these communities' long-term recovery plans."

“On behalf of everyone at FNESS I’d like to extend our deepest thanks to VanCity for their generosity and support,” said Dennis Mills, Manager of Administration. “This $12,500 gift is a testament to the spirit of mutual aid that guides us in our mission. In an era where increasingly challenging climate conditions are a constant concern, it is vital now more than ever to care for our neighbors.

The funding reflects Vancity's commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis and helping advance response efforts to climate-related emergencies.

By supporting both United Way BC and FNESS, VCF is contributing to organizations with strong community connections and established capacity to deliver assistance where it is needed most, including support for Indigenous communities and communities welcoming evacuees.

In addition to supporting emergency response efforts, Vancity continues to help members build resilience to the impacts of climate change through initiatives that support climate adaptation and recovery, including financing solutions designed to help communities prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges.

For more information about Vancity's disaster relief efforts visit vancity.com/bank/disaster-relief.  

For more information about United Way BC's work in supporting communities impacted by wildfires, visit uwbc.ca/campaign/wildfires.