The victims displaced by the fire at the Victoria Towers apartment building just got a helping hand.
Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS), a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to aboriginal families, donated $5,000 to the Red Cross with the request that the entire donation go to the 94 people made homeless by the Nov. 3 fire.
“We all saw the photos in the paper, and we think of those who have lost their homes, had their belongings damaged by the smoke, and maybe lost precious things like family photographs.
We want to open our hearts and our hands to them,” said CSFS executive director Warner Adam.
“We knew the Red Cross needed donations and hope our contribution will make things a little easier for the people hurt by this emergency.”
Canadian Red Cross community planning and response manager Elysia Dempsey said the money will be used to support the most vulnerable victims first.
"That may be through providing them with perishable food and other basic necessities, or by helping them get together their first month’s rent or damage deposit," Dempsey said. "We also intend to coordinate community resources to help them move into their new apartments.”
Local landlords, the Native Friendship Centre, and BC Housing have banded together to find housing for the 94 people who were made homeless by the Nov. 3 fire. So far, 23 units have been found.
Adam has issued a friendly challenge to other organizations in Prince George, asking them to help out as well.
“The holiday season is coming and no one should feel like they’re left behind, like they can’t enjoy the festivities because they are too stressed about finding a place to live," Adam said.
