Emergency Feed Needed for Stranded Farm!
Hello Everyone,
We are revising the information on this page to clarify a few things as we have received some questions in regards to the authenticity of this page. We initially started this Fundraiser with the intention of spreading it within our network of family and friends who for the most part knew what we were trying to accomplish. I can understand why there would be confusion seeing as how there are duplicate fundraisers at the moment so I hope to provide some clarity.
My partner Cameron and I live in West Kelowna and read the plea for help from the Espersen Family on our local newspage Castanet. We were so moved by their bravery and passion to protect not only their animals, but the animals belonging to members of their community. Being animal lovers ourselves we could not imagine what they were going through and decided we needed to do what we could to help them.
On the evening of July 21st we reached out to Karen Espersen to find out more information on the situation and what their immediate needs were. My partner and I then began reaching out to local helicopter outfits in Kelowna and West Kelowna to see how we could go about arranging a heli-drop of supplies because at the time there was no access being granted to make deliveries in a vehicle. On Thursday morning we had confirmation that we could get a pilot to complete a drop, organized a feed pick up from Buckerfield's in Kelowna and decided we wanted to get at least 4 trips worth of feed to them via Heli-drop. This is when we decided to start our fundraiser!
Since yesterday things have moved very quickly with the help of some incredible people. We have been in contact with The Espersens and Alyson (niece and manager of the other Fundraiser) and we are working together collectively in the allocation of the generous donations we have received in both fundraisers. The plan is to continue to use the funds to purchase necessities to keep the animals alive and healthy as well as anything the family will need. We have also joined forces with a wonderful group of volunteers who have been able to get emergency clearance to get in and make the delivery of supplies. They were successfully able to deliver supplies via truck and trailer which saved us from having to complete the Heli-drop at this time. As I expressed in our update - we could lose road access again at any time so we plan to allocate funds to the charter of a helicopter if that again becomes the only way to gain access.
As the fire situation is ongoing and volatile, we do not know how long of a fight this will be for the Espersen's but we do know that with the support and generosity that has come from all of you we can make sure that these people and all of the animals make it through this and come out stronger on the other side. We received an update from Katie on the farm today letting us know that they did not get the winds that were expected last night and the temperature did drop allowing them to get some work done around the farm while conditions were calm. The smoke has since rolled back in and conditions are dry and hot. The fire behavior remains aggressive and unpredictable and with rising temperatures and lack of precipitation in the forecast, they are preparing for the long haul. We will receive an update this evening with a better idea of how long they can make the feed that was delivered last so that we can plan on getting more to them and know how often we will need to get it there.
I have linked all the news updates for you all to follow along and will continue to do so as they come!
https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/340682/Desperate-plea-for-help
https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/340750/Family-in-Edgewood-refusing-to-evacuate-from-Michaud-Creek-fire
https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/340881/Ostrich-help-has-arrived
Thank You again for all of your continued support,
J&C
**Original Post**
After reading this story on Castanet yesterday we have felt compelled to help the cause. The Espersen's are in desperate need of help they are located in Edgewood BC and have been affected by the ongoing wildfires. They currently have over 500 animals on the property as they have turned into a rescue hub for local evacuees in the area. Due to both the Michaud Creek Fire and the Winnifred Creek Fire access to their farm has been cut off in both directions and they desperately need feed delivered to keep these animals alive. We have currently lined up a helicopter to assist in a food drop which can carry 800lb of feed per trip and are looking for help with the costs of at least 4 trips. 800lbs of feed will be enough to get them through 3 days so we would like to at least get them 2 weeks worth of supply to alleviate that pressure.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/340682/Desperate-plea-for-help
