Those looking to help the victims of the massive Maple Ridge fire last weekend finally have an answer for where they should contribute their donations. Last Friday, it was announced that the Maple Ridge Community Foundation (MRCF) would be spearheading the relief efforts to help those who had been living in the Edge on Edge 2 building or the nearby homes that were destroyed by the fire.
Mayor Dan Ruimy said he was grateful to the MRCF for stepping into this role during a time when so much of the community is actively searching for ways to help the victims of the fire.
“The foundation has a proven record and the capacity to collect funds and work with community networks to ensure the funds go directly to those impacted,” said Ruimy. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial we unite as a community and extend our support to our neighbours. I encourage anyone who would like to help to donate to the foundation.”
The MRCF is actively looking for cash donations and is focusing on helping those who do not have insurance coverage to help them get through this tough time.
The money will be collected and distributed through the Community Network program, explained MRCF president Kevin Nosworthy. “The Maple Ridge Community Foundation is honoured to be entrusted to take on this role, and we now need our community’s support to assist those who have been impacted both financially and emotionally by the devasting fire, many of whom are seniors,” said Nosworthy. Donations initially came in quite quickly, but have quickly died off, explained Nosworthy, and the foundation is hoping that significantly more money can be collected for the victims of the fire. “So far we have about $5,500, including a $2,500 from Westgate Florist,” he said. Nosworthy said that he’s heard some people in the community express confusion over where to submit their donations and have instead given money to the Canadian Red Cross. “The city thinks it’s better to keep it local rather than going through Red Cross,” said Nosworthy. Unlike the community foundation, the Canadian Red Cross does not have a method of designating donations directly to the victims of the Maple Ridge fire.
Read more at: https://mapleridgenews.com/2023/06/17/maple-ridge-community-foundation-leads-relief-efforts-for-fire-victims/