As the devastating wildfire continues to impact Summerland and surrounding areas, the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen (CFSOS) has established the SOS Wildfire Response Fund to support affected residents and the Summerland community.
The Fund was created within a day of the wildfire’s outbreak as inquiries began arriving from community members asking how they could help.
“We were receiving calls and messages almost immediately from people looking for a way to support those affected,” said Aaron McRann, CEO of the Community Foundation. “We wanted to provide a local response and a way for people to help while we work with community partners to understand the needs that are emerging.”
As the wildfire response continues to evolve, the Foundation is connecting with the District of Summerland, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, local charities, community organizations, and donors to better understand emerging needs and identify where support can have the greatest impact.
The SOS Wildfire Response Fund follows a model similar to the Foundation’s response to the Princeton floods in 2021, when donations from within the region, across the country, and abroad helped support recovery efforts.
“This situation is still very much unfolding,” said McRann. “Right now, we’re focused on listening, gathering information, and staying in close contact with local partners so we can better understand what support will be needed in the days and weeks ahead. We’re already seeing an outpouring of concern from people who want to help, and those donations will be an important resource for the community’s recovery. While it will take time to assess needs and determine how funds can be most effective, we’re committed to being responsive, thoughtful, and guided by the community as recovery efforts take shape.”
While donations are being accepted immediately, funding decisions will be guided by ongoing conversations with local partners and a continued assessment of community needs as the situation evolves.
All donations to the SOS Wildfire Response Fund will remain in the region and will be used to support wildfire-affected residents and community recovery efforts.
How to Help
Donations can be made online here.
The Community Foundation will share additional information about funding priorities and distributions as plans are further developed and community needs become clearer.
At this time, the Foundation encourages residents to keep those affected in their thoughts and to support the many individuals, families, first responders, volunteers, and organizations working tirelessly through this challenging time.