BURSTOver 100 people volunteered with United Way BC to help evacuees from this year’s wildfires in the Okanagan.
Many of the volunteers signed up within a day of United Way posting volunteer opportunities on its iVolunteer website.
“It was so heartwarming to see the response,” said Magda Kapp, specialist, emergency response and partnerships at United Way BC. “People were saying, ‘I have a truck,’ or ‘I have first aid,’ or ‘I have this particular skill.’ It was just amazing to see people coming forward, wanting to help in a time of crisis.”
United Way highlighted Laurie-Shawn Borzovoy and Claudia Moore, who volunteered this year and lived through wildfire season in the Okanagan themselves. The pair helped receive donations, organize supplies and assist evacuees access support resources.
“We hear so much bad news,” said Moore. “When you went and volunteered, you saw people helping each other. It lifted your spirit and reinforced your belief in humanity.”
“You can’t underestimate the value of helping your fellow community members when they really need it,” said Borzovoy. “It was amazing to be able to do that.”
United Way BC said the Okanagan came together during this year’s wildfire crisis.
“From residents offering their time to businesses donating essential supplies, volunteers helped ensure evacuees had access to support when they needed it most,” the organization said.
United Way BC said people can use the iVolunteer website and use the, “use my location to show opportunities near me” function to quickly see nearby roles and register for shifts that meet current community needs.