Maple Ridge Community Foundation Collecting Funds to Support Fire Evacuees
Maple Ridge Community Foundation Collecting Funds to Support Fire Evacuees
The City of Maple Ridge is excited to announce that the Maple Ridge Community Foundation (MRCF) will take the lead in collecting and distributing donations to directly assist the residents affected by the devastating downtown fire that occurred on June 10.
Mayor Dan Ruimy expressed gratitude towards the Maple Ridge Community Foundation for stepping forward to channel the community's generosity towards supporting those displaced by the fire. Recognizing the Foundation's track record and capabilities in collecting funds and working with community networks, Mayor Ruimy expressed confidence that the donations would directly benefit those impacted.
In response to the Mayor's request for an organization to spearhead the fundraising efforts, the MRCF Board members convened on Thursday night and confirmed their commitment to take on the role.
Mayor Ruimy emphasized the importance of unity and community support during this challenging time. He encouraged anyone willing to help to donate to the Foundation, highlighting the significance of their contributions.
The MRCF is accepting cash donations, which will be distributed to aid those displaced by the downtown fire, with a focus on individuals who lack insurance coverage to stabilize their housing and recover from the fire. The Foundation aims to support both the financial and emotional needs of the affected community members, particularly seniors.
Kevin Nosworthy, President of the Maple Ridge Community Foundation, expressed honor in being entrusted with this responsibility and urged the community to provide their support to assist those impacted by the fire. He emphasized that cash donations would be collected and distributed through the Community Network, ensuring they reach those in need.
To make a donation, individuals can visit the MRCF website at www.mrcf.ca and follow the 'Donate' link on the homepage to access the online donation portal. The Foundation will update its webpage with additional information regarding Fire Relief donations.
Additionally, the MRCF will collaborate with the Canadian Red Cross, the City's Emergency Support Services (ESS) partner, to distribute the funds. Therefore, it is essential for all individuals displaced by the fire to register with ESS. Those who still need to register can call the Canadian Red Cross's disaster assistance toll-free line at 1-888-800-6493 and inform them of the impact caused by the Maple Ridge fire.
About MRCF:
The Maple Ridge Community Foundation is a public Community Foundation that has served the Maple Ridge community for the past 47 years. It manages a permanent endowment and acts as a custodian of charitable funds to address the evolving needs of the community. These funds are contributed by local individuals, families, and businesses and are invested to generate annual income, which is then granted to non-profit organizations in Maple Ridge. The Foundation supports initiatives in education, health, recreation, the environment, and the arts.