Kamloops residents pull together to provide food, fuel for Lytton wildfire evacuees

A Kamloops couple has collected donations for the evacuees from the Lytton wildfire who have found themselves in the community in an effort to help provide them with food and fuel.

Rob Lee believes Kamloops has a reputation for generosity and showing love in times of crisis.

Lee and his wife Ashley live next to McArthur Island Park where evacuees from the Lytton wildfire were directed after fleeing on June 30.

The Lees had been watching the evacuees arriving and observed the challenges they were contending with.

“After hearing their stories and seeing how awful their situation is, we were moved to help,” Lee said. “Initially, we thought to bring them food and water, and maybe other things they might need. There were so many people sitting in their cars with the air conditioning on. They were waiting hours in the heat for motel vouchers after driving hours already. We realized fuel was a big need.”

Rob went to the Safeway on the North Shore. He was able to obtain cards that can be used to buy food at the Safeway as well as fuel. He then began calling on local business owners and individuals to donate money.

“We have already collected over $3,500,” Lee said. “The Safeway donated $500 and there is still money coming in. I have been handing some of the cards out, but the rest are going to the TNRD.”

Lee says the regional district will be passing the cards to a counsellor from Lytton who will be better positioned to prioritize the needs of the community. They will also be doing a check on the needs of fire affected residents in Red Lake and Deadman’s Vedette. 

“My wife and I feel so blessed to live in a safe area in Kamloops,” Lee said. “We are surrounded by caring friends, so we are always ready to give back as much as possible when it is needed.”

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