On Friday, August 7th, my sister Julie, her partner Scott, and their beloved dog Jade had their lives changed forever by the Bald Range Wildfire—one of the fastest-moving and largest wildfires in BC history.

They live in Faulder, a small community 10 km west of Summerland, BC, which was the first community hit by this devastating blaze.

IMAGINE...

* No evacuation alert received

* No evacuation order received

* Nothing, Absolutely nothing

IMAGINE...

You just get home from work, feed your dog, and suddenly hear a neighbour’s terrified screams. Out of nowhere, all you see is a wall of fire raging toward everything you have worked your entire life for. You don’t even have time to grab your basic belongings. Julie and Scott quickly hooked up their camper and fled for their lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

IMAGINE...

As you drive away, you look into your rearview mirror to watch your entire life literally engulfed in flames.

Nobody was more prepared for wildfires than Julie and Scott. Their property was meticulously maintained, cleared of pine needles, and FireSmart trimmed. They even had two fully operational 1,000 gallon water trucks and sixteen 1,000-litre water totes strategically placed throughout their property just in case. But against a wildfire this fast, with absolutely no warning, none of it mattered.

Tragically their home burned to the ground, taking all their irreplaceable sentimental keepsakes. They also lost three vehicles in the fire, including one of their water trucks and a wood truck

Now, the initial shock is wearing off and reality is setting in. The emotional distress and financial strain are overwhelming.

IMAGINE...

Having no clothes, medication, toiletries, boots, coats, dishes, furniture, or appliances. Everything perished in the fire.

Navigating the insurance claim process will take months or longer. On top of that, Julie and Scott are not even sure if and when they can return to work, as the town of Summerland was issued a mandatory evacuation order.

Julie and Scott are incredibly proud people, but right now, they need our help. With their permission, I have created this fundraising page to help them cover immediate necessities like food, clothing, bills, and temporary living costs while they try to rebuild their lives.

Any contribution, big or small, will go directly to Julie and Scott to help them take their first steps forward. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page.

Hard times are no match for an army of support.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, prayers, and support.