BC Liquor Stores accepting donations for wildfire relief

VANCOUVER – British Columbians looking for a way to support those impacted by the wildfires

burning in various areas of the province can now do so by providing a donation at any BC

Liquor Store.

BC Liquor Store customers can contribute at the till – in increments of $2, $5, or multiples

thereof – with all proceeds going directly to the Red Cross. These funds will help with

immediate needs for those affected, such as providing evacuees with shelter, food and water.

Evacuation alerts and orders have been issued for a number of communities, and there are

approximately 220 wildfires currently burning in British Columbia. The extended weather

forecast is calling for continued hot, dry weather, with risks of thunderstorms in many parts of

the province.

Given the current wildfire situation in British Columbia and the expected increase in wildfire

activity, the Province declared a provincial state of emergency on Friday, July 7, 2017, to ensure

a co-ordinated response to the current wildfire situation and to ensure public safety. The

Province also recently announced a $100-million fund that will provide impacted communities

and residents the resources needed to rebuild.

Quotes:

Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch –

“The generosity and compassion shown by our customers and employees during times of crisis

is something we are incredibly proud of – it is the foundation of our partnership with the Red

Cross. Our thoughts are with all British Columbians, and their family and friends, who are

impacted by the current wildfire situation.”

Kimberley Nemrava, vice president, Canadian Red Cross, B.C. & Yukon –

“Our partnership with BC Liquor Stores provides an easy way for people to reach out and help

their fellow British Columbians affected by the fires. Thank you to BC Liquor Stores and their

customers for their support – these donations will help us provide on-the-ground efforts and

emergency resources for those in need.”

Quick Facts:

• BC Liquor Stores' customers and employees have supported Red Cross disaster relief for humanitarian crises, both at home and abroad, since 2003, when stores first collected donations to support victims affected by catastrophic wildfires raging in British Columbia.
• Since then, more than $2.5 million has been raised for Red Cross humanitarian crises and disaster relief efforts.

Learn More:

Find your local BC Liquor Store to donate: http://www.bcliquorstores.com/store/locator

Donate online with the Canadian Red Cross, B.C. & Yukon: http://www.redcross.ca/in-yourcommunity/british-columbia-and-yukon

Find information on evacuation orders and alerts: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

Keep up-to-date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca

Contacts:

Dixon Tam

Senior Communications Officer

Liquor Distribution Branch

604 252-3028

[email protected]

Canadian Red Cross

604 709-6747