Clothing/housewares drive for victims of Rock Creek fire
By Kyra Hoggan
Castlegar city council agreed, at its regular meeting Monday night, to allow fundraising posters throughout the city for a relief effort for people impacted by the Rock Creek fire (the Unmet Needs Committee).
The city has already provided $5,000 to help, but agreed to go this extra step to pitch in.
Bonnie Johnston approached council with the notion.
“A bunch of us got together – we call ourselves the Friends of Rock Creek,” she said. “We’re collecting used clothing, working with a company that is going to pay us, per pound, for the stuff we collect. They will pick it up, then issue a cheque to the Unmet Needs Committee. The company partners with the Salvation Army. Things that can’t be resold are recycled into rags or carpet underlay – none of it gets wasted.”
The ad hoc group of about 10 people so far got together over discussions on how to help and make the biggest impact, and found the company that does clothing drives.
“Our drive started yesterday and will go to Nov. 10,” Johnston said. “We do have a quota we need to reach for the company to come out and pick it up. We need at least 600 bags of used clothing, bedding and household items, school supplies, etc., so of course we hope to exceed that.”
People can drop off donations at 845 Columbia Avenue (the Forestry Office) anytime, and they can pick up donations if need be, simply call Johnson at 250-365-8600 to make arrangements.
“Not only will you be helping neighbours in need, you’ll be keeping unnecessary waste out of our landfills.”
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