The Canadian Red Cross has launched two new programs in support of communities affected by the B.C. wildfires.
Because of funding provided by the provincial government, both programs - the Community Partnerships Program and the Support to Small Business Initiative - are now available.
"Local organizations and small businesses are the backbone of a community and must be supported after a disaster," said Kimberly Nemrava, vice-president, British Columbia and Yukon Canadian Red Cross.
The Community Partnerships Program provides grants to help organizations deliver aid to their communities.
According to the Red Cross, funding of $5 million has been allocated in support of community driven efforts for recovery and resiliency, prioritizing applications that support emergency relief.
Any businesses, organizations and First nation members are eligible in the following programming areas: emergency relief to support immediate needs, community strengthening to support community connectedness, safety and well being, indigenous programming to support indigenous communities and disaster risk reduction to support mitigation and preparedness for future disasters.
The Support to Small Business Initiative provides emergency financial assistance to eligible businesses impacted by the wildfires.
Provincial government funding will assist by providing $1,500 to all eligible businesses, organizations and First Nation members including small businesses, non-profit organizations and First Nations businesses and cultural livelihood on reserve.
"The Community Partnerships Program and the Support to Small Business Initiative will not only provide assistance for these groups, but will ultimately support the individuals and families impacted by the fires who rely on these organizations and businesses in their community," Nemrava said.
The Canadian Red Cross mission is to help improve the lives of those vulnerable by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.
It is the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
For more information about the Canadian Red Cross and programs and eligibility criteria for those affected by wildfire, visit www.redcross.ca.
