Posted: Friday, August 25th 2023

My name is Caitlin and I'm a single mom of two school-aged children currently evacuated and living in a hotel in downtown Kamloops. On Friday, August 18th 2023 at about 8pm, out-of-control wildfire ravaged our valley and we were ordered to leave. The Adams Lake fire, burning north of us since July 12th 2023, experienced strong consistent 40km/hr winds and the flames moved quickly, jumping Little River and Highway 1, travelling 20km into our valley in less than half a day! We had no idea we would be evacuating that morning. I'm still experiencing flashbacks and nightmares from this day.

We had just moved to Turtle Valley this past June, after our basement suite flooded in Chilliwack, trying to find some peace and stability. Just as we thought we had found it, this wildfire arrives at our doorstep, and we are uprooted again. We have been under a lot of stress and grief, simply wanting to return home.

Since we are living in a hotel in downtown Kamloops, I cannot safely return to work. The kids are supposed to enter their new schools on September 5th. BC Wildfire is working hard to get everyone home, but as of today, we are still on Evacuation Order, with no chance of travelling in and out of the area, as there are danger trees and fallen power lines to be cleaned up. The fire is still smoldering above our house on the mountain, one week later. We are truly stuck.

I'm asking for financial help to cover lost wages, as I unfortunately do not have tenant insurance, and need to pay rent and bills. I've applied for EI, and they claim they are fast tracking applications with area codes in the evacuation area, but with the volume of applicants flowing into Service Canada, I am unsure of how long this could take. We are receiving Emergency Supports Services for hotel, food and clothing, so our immediate needs are taken care of, but I want to make sure we still have a home to return to, as well as some money saved for the kids' school supplies.

As soon as the evacuation order is lifted and we are back home, I will be able to return to work, and become financially stable again. Having this financial peace of mind in the interim is monumental for myself and my kids. My hope is that we will be able to return home sometime next week, but with higher temperatures returning and a risk of increased wildfire activities, there are no guarantees.

Thank you for your love and support.

We are truly grateful for anything you can provide. ❤️

UPDATE: Saturday, August 26th 2023

Wow, you guys!!! In less than 24 hours, we have surpassed our goal. Blown away by your support. This is a huge weight lifted off of our shoulders and we can't thank you enough!