WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN – City’s core lends helping hand to evacuees

AS WILDFIRES burned across British Columbia and the provincial government called for a state of an emergency, over 40,000 helpless people were forced to leave their homes and flee to neighbouring cities for safety.

Over the past couple weeks, the City of Kamloops has come together as a community and has been able to help more then 17,000 evacuees. The overwhelming support from all the volunteers and businesses in Kamloops has allowed the evacuees to feel the love and support they need during these hard times.

Here in Downtown Kamloops, the Sandman Centre has become the largest Emergency Social Services Reception Centre in the city. It has over 500 cots ready for evacuees seeking shelter.

Throughout the day, many organizations come down to the Sandman Centre and help in any way they can. Many Downtown businesses have also showed their support. Food shops such as Caffe Motivo, Scoopz Ice-cream, Frenchie’s Poutineiry, Pizza King and Maurya’s Indian Restaurant are providing great offers on items in store.

Anna at Genesis Fashion & Beauty has also been providing 30 per cent off all fashion, accessories, footwear, and day spa services in store to evacuees.

Downtown Kamloops and the CAP team have also been very busy assisting the evacuees coming into the city. Our Customer Care and Info Centre located on 340 Victoria St. has been providing any type of information needed for evacuees in need of help. We have also been providing free, cold water for anyone that is looking for some hydration.

Personally, what I have witnessed in the past couple weeks from the members of the Kamloops community has been astonishing. The amount of support I’ve seen people give to the evacuees is unheard of.

It is heartwarming to see all the volunteers, businesses, organizations, cultural groups, etc. being able to all come together and provide the help the evacuees need. From Downtown Kamloops  and the CAP team, we would like to thank everyone that has played a part in giving relief to all the evacuees using our beautiful City of Kamloops as a home away from home.

Thank-you.

Written by Jodhbir Kang, Customer Care and Patrol (CAP) Team Member. Reach them at 250-572-3008/3009 or the Customer Care & Info Centre  at 250-572-3017. Email capteam@downtownkamloops.com. Follow on Facebook, Instagram (Downtownkamloops) and Twitter (@downtownkamloops) too.