Assisting Fire-affected Residents in British Columbia, Canada

By Vancouver Relief Team, Canada (Originally in English)

Since April 1, 2017, the most destructive wildfire season in British Columbia’s recorded history has consumed over 11,700 square kilometers of land across the province, forcing about 65,000 people out of their homes. The government has deployed over 4,400 officers and civilians on a rotational basis to various fire zones and an additional 600 officers at the peak time.

Following Supreme Master Ching Hai’s instruction to assist the affected families and individuals, our Vancouver Association members found out from relief workers which items were urgently needed in the disaster area. Our Vancouver Association members contributed CAD 3,671, with reimbursement available from Master’s fund. Thanks to God’s grace and blessings, we were able to purchase everything requested such as hygiene items, blankets, sleeping bags, towels, jackets, and sweaters, and delivered them on July 19 to the distribution center in the south central city of Kamloops. Thousands of evacuees came to this center every day to pick up items. We also prepared two boxes of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s books and flyers to be shared with others to lift their spirits.

As of September 16, the province-wide wildfire “state of emergency” ended, evacuation orders were lifted and highways were reopened as the recovery phase begins. The government continued arranging crews and resources until the wildfire season was over to keep the fires under control and actually extinguish them. Our Vancouver Association members stayed in contact with the relief workers in case more supplies were urgently required.

Our love and prayers go to all the people who have been affected by the fires. We send our heartfelt appreciation to all who worked hard to assist those in need.

Expenditures by The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association for Wildfire Relief Work in British Columbia, Canada