When Squamish residents see a need, they step up.
In the wake of devastating floods Nov. 14 and 15 in Abbotsford that displaced hundreds of residents in the Sumas Prairie region, Squamish folks rallied to collect items for those in need.
Thanks to their volunteer efforts, more than 70 boxes of clothing, footwear, blankets and toiletries and more than 40 boxes of food are headed for Abbotsford's Archway Food Bank and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) relief centre.
In 48 hours, the quickly formed 20,000 Hats Etc organized the donation drive.
The name comes from the 20,000 residents that were originally reported displaced in the aftermath of last week's atmospheric river event, according to Brackendale's Glenne Campbell, who spearheaded the drive.
A costume designer by trade, Campbell was able to use her film industry organization skills and know-how to get things in order for the collection and movement of the goods.
"I have very strong memories of the 2003 flood here," she said, noting her own house was spared during that Squamish flood, but she moved her son, pets and some treasured possessions to higher ground at the time, just in case.
She then set about cooking for the crews who were fighting the water at Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough.
"I know how much energy it takes and I can't imagine what it takes multiplying that by what went on in the Fraser Valley," she told The Squamish Chief.
For the drive to support those in need in Abbotsford, locals Stephanie Lowe, Katy and Kari Chambers, Lisa Manzini, Rhonda O'Grady, Linda Smart, Kathy Jarvis, Fran Solar and Laurie Snow deserve a "warm hug" for volunteering, Campbell said.
She thanked all those who brought donations, too, saying the amount far exceeded what she originally thought would be collected.
Corridor corporations stepped up too, she noted.
Sea to Sky Courier donated a crew and truck to deliver to Abbotsford. The Whistler Food Bank and Whistler Re-Use-It Centre stepped up to donate food and clothing.
Pearl's Value & Vintage gave clothing and footwear.
Home Depot donated cardboard boxes and totes.
For those still wishing to help flood victims, cash donations can be sent to: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-bc-flooding-relief-efforts/
