B.C. Liquor Store fundraiser pumps thousands into wildfire relief

VANCOUVER – Customers and employees of B.C. liquor stores have raised $102,000 to support victims of this summer’s wildfires in the province.

The money will be donated to Red Cross relief efforts on behalf of those who lost their homes, businesses, livestock and other property when flames broke out near the communities of Rock Creek and Oliver.

Thirty homes were destroyed and hundreds of southern B.C. residents were evacuated last month by the Rock Creek blaze, east of Osoyoos and the Testalinden fire, south of Oliver.

The Red Cross says some of the money has paid for immediate necessities such as blankets, food and water.

It will also support victim’s longer-term needs, including the replacement of equipment and assistance with rent.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says the Testalinden blaze covers 50 square kilometres and is 80 per cent contained, while the Rock Creek fire is fully contained but scorched 45-square kilometres before it was brought under control.