BOW VALLEY – A month since wildfire forced Jasper's entire community to evacuate and damaged large portions of the townsite, the Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) has received more than $350,000 in donations for the neighbouring mountain town.
The foundation established the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund mere hours after the fire started to burn in the town.
“Mountain communities are deeply connected. We have so much in common with Jasperites, and the devastating losses from the fires strike Bow Valley people on a very personal level,” said Laurie Edward, BCF executive director in a media release.
In the first five days of the fund being created, the community rallied together to donate more than $100,000 to the fund with the Calgary Foundation pledging to match another $100,000.
“The Jasper fire has prompted many Bow Valley people to think about what it means to live in and be part of a mountain community,” said Edward. “This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of our strength and resilience.”
Now, the fund has seen donations from more than 700 people in the Valley in addition to other communities. Large donations came from local businesses, including Brewster’s Golf Kananaskis Ranch, Canada Gallery House and the Big Bear Trading Company.
“The Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund allows our communities to respond in a way that reflects all that we share,” said Edward.
The funds will be used to aid Jasperites impacted by the devastating blaze in collaboration with the Jasper Community Team Society and the Municipality of Jasper.
Residents of the mountain town were able to re-enter their community on Aug. 16.
The Jasper fire is classified as being held and has burned an estimated 33,311 hectares as of Aug. 21.
Crews are working to remove hazards along Highway 93N – the Icefields Parkway – to reopen the vital roadway. Highway 16 was able to fully reopen to the community on Monday (Aug. 19).
“As one of more than 200 community foundations across Canada, BCF helps flow charitable funds to where they’re needed most, when they’re needed. Thanks to core support from partners and donors, BCF is able to work collaboratively and with agility to activate community in response to emerging priorities,” stated a press release from BCF.
