Our Community Is Rallying for Wildfire Victims, Here's How to Help

Some of the most powerful acts of generosity come from people who have every reason to look after only themselves. Joel Patan is one of them.

Joel Patan of Patan Heating and Air shared the news that his family's home in Faulder had burned to the ground in the Bald Range wildfire. They had only minutes to evacuate with no warning, and their house was gone roughly 10 minutes later. Rather than dwell on what his family lost, Joel and his family opened a free store to support other "total loss" families from the Summerland area, in a commercial space generously donated by Greyback Construction.

Right now, what's needed most is simple. Give what you'd be glad to hand families who have lost their homes yourself. Items most needed are school supplies, reusable mugs, cups, and water bottles; adult books, puzzles, and small-denomination gift cards are especially welcome. While appreciated, the store isn't able to take used clothing or toys at the moment, just quality over quantity, always.

Donations can be dropped off at 2130 Government Street, Penticton, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You're also welcome to drop items at either of our FH&P Lawyers offices in Kelowna or Penticton, and we'll make sure they get to Greyback's donation space.

If you’d like to help but aren’t able to drop off items in person, here’s what you can do via online resources:

• Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen wildfire response fund

• Canadian Red Cross, Canadian Wildfire Fund

• Community-compiled list of GoFundMe pages for affected Summerland-area families

As Joel put it:

It doesn’t take much to matter this much. We show up for the people around us because that’s what community is for.

Read Joel's full story on Castanet.