Kudos: Richmond residents donate, set up GoFundMe for Chilliwack camp

A group of Richmond residents has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for a Chilliwack camp supporting flood evacuees.

The page is collecting donations to help fix Charis Camp and Conference Centre's leaking roof and a flooded basement.

Charis Camp, a Christian year-round camp and retreat, took in more than 100 people taking refuge from the recent Fraser Valley flooding, according to Richmond resident Debbie Jiang.

In order for the camp to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic, it used up its money meant for fixing it's leaking roof to keep its doors open.

The camp is struggling to patch up the roof and deal with its flooded basement as more rain is in the forecast.

“I think this will be a great event because not only can families enjoy a virtual and safe concert, funds can help benefit the camp that is doing their best to support those in need during this time,” said Jiang.

In return, those who make a donation can attend a virtual benefit concert by JUNO-nominated musician Will Stroet of Will’s Jams.

Attendees will need to make a donation on the GoFundMe page prior to registering on the Eventbrite page.

The virtual concert will be held on Zoom on Thursday, Dec.2 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, residents from Richmond and Delta, who are part of the Heritage Christian Online School, also donated necessities to help the camp feed the flood evacuees.

Charis Camp made a call for protein and meat donations after empty shelves were found at grocery stores in the Fraser Valley region and are relying on external help to provide flood evacuees a bed, food and support.

Jiang said she and other families did shopping runs looking for meat and anything protein-related to deliver food to the camp the moment the received the message.

“With the shortage of food and only intermittent deliveries in their area, we couldn’t wait to jump into action."

She added that more than half the evacuees are migrant workers from Mexico and Guatemala who have nowhere to go and that Team Rubicon Disaster Relief personnel are also making Charis Camp “their home base.”

In total, the group sent several bags of flour, various meats, beans, toilet paper, produce, non-perishables and even hand sanitizers, which were all delivered by a home school dad and professional trucker on Nov. 21.

 “All the families and kids were so pumped because even though everyone contributed something small, we ended up packing probably about $1,000 of meat to help these people who have nowhere to go in Chilliwack right now," said Jiang.

“It is amazing to know so many local families that will jump up in an instant to help the moment they can. It is what makes our community strong.”

A second donation, sponsored by Dan-d-Pak Foods, will also be making a trip out to the camp as well.