Alberta Islamic aid group sending supplies to flood-ravaged B.C.
Posted December 13, 2021 8:30 am.
Last Updated December 13, 2021 9:32 am.
The Alberta Chapter of the humanitarian aid organization Islamic Relief Canada is gathering donations for those impacted by the devastating flooding in B.C.
So far the local chapter has been able to gather these food and hygiene supplies, but volunteers are hoping to fill an entire 18-wheeler truck before it heads to Merritt.
The semi-truck was donated in Edmonton and it’s now set up at the Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre in northeast Calgary and will head west on Wednesday.
“So far, we’ve collected pallets of water, diapers, blankets, shovels, some buckets, some mops,” said Layla Charanek, Calgary fundraising coordinator with Islamic Relief Canada.
“[We want to] help those in need, cause I know when we need the help, they’ll be here for us as well.”
RELATED: B.C. fuel restrictions, provincial state of emergency extended until Dec. 14
Record rainfall uprooted roughly 15,000 people from their homes in southwestern B.C.
Mudslides impacted highways, leaving at least four people dead. Thousands of farm animals died, and the tourism industry is now taking a hit it did not see coming.
“They said they’re wanting some baby supplies, some food, canned meats stuff like that. If we could get more socks and blankets, cause they are going back to their homes that are kinda dirty, so that’s why we bought some cleaning supplies,” added Charanek.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response of people wanting to pick up boxes from their house and to donate money and just help us and help the people of B.C. who definitely need it the most.”
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates the insured damage caused by the flooding is worth $450 million, calling it the “most costly severe weather event in the province’s history.”
RELATED: How bad is it in B.C. right now? How much worse could it get?
“We believe to help one another no matter what race or religion so it is very important for us to help, whether it’s our neighbouring province or another country, to help those who need it most,” Charanek told CityNews Calgary.
“Honestly you always think, ‘That can’t happen to us, it always happens to other people.'”
If you’d like to help fill the truck before it leaves on Wednesday, you can drop off items at the Akram Jomaa Centre’s lobby, where the truck is parked.
“Let’s load up this semi-truck!”
