Help for 4 families who lost homes on Penelakut Island

update to info below, shared in another group

“please everyone share and distribute widely. Penelakut had a housing crisis as it was, this (actually a 6-plex) was incredibly important affordable housing for the families and elders that lived there. They have lost literally everything and will need to replace everything including being re-housed in the greatly more expensive off-Reserve rental market. Any small amount you can afford to share will definitely help our people get back on their feet.”

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My name is Amanda Crocker, I am a member of Penelakut First Nations band. where my dad lives.

I am reaching out for any kind of donation to help 4 families who have lost their home this evening on Penelakut Island. There was adults, children and babies who lost everything.

I live away from community, there is someone closer collecting immediate items that the families will need. But the families will need to re- establish everything :(

anything helps ❤️

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update copied from chief Jack

“Update on the Penelakut Duplex fire: All four of our families have been accommodated in hotels, and we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support and donations we have received. At this time, we kindly ask that you refrain from donating any more clothing items. Our families are incredibly thankful for the kindness shown by our surrounding communities. If you wish to help further, we would appreciate food or Walmart gift cards. We are now focusing on securing housing for our displaced members. You can also e-transfer contributions to [email redacted] or donate to the go fund me. Amanda Crocker has created under the title 4 families lost their home. Thank you for your continued support.”

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update post copied from chief Jack

“Heartfelt Thanks and Call for Support of Fire Survivors on Penelakut Island. Feel free to post.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Penelakut Fire Department for their outstanding efforts in extinguishing the fire at our five-plex. I also wish to acknowledge the North Cowichan and Thetis Island Fire Departments for their prompt deployment of teams to assist us during this critical time. Also, thank Lyackson Chief Thomas for deploying a crew to Penelakut. My hands are up to, the RCMP and all emergency response crews and community members; your support is invaluable. My hands are up to our admin and finance staff for coming in without question and ensuring everyone is cared for. Thank you, Rob and Angie, for coming from Victoria to Penelakut immediately.

I am relieved to report that all families in the affected homes have made it out safely and currently reside in temporary housing at local hotels. Special thanks to KL for your assistance during this transition. As we begin rebuilding, we are committed to finding permanent homes for displaced families.

In the spirit of community support, we are grateful for the outpour of clothing and furniture donations for those impacted.

Below is a list of specific needs:

Household 1:

- Female: Size M, M pants. 6.5 shoes

- Male: Size, 30/30, Shirt M, 9 shoes

- Baby girl: 18 months, size 4 diapers

- young female shirt M. and shoe size 6

Household 2:

- Men's: Size M shirt, 30-32 pants, size 9 shoes

- Female: Large shirt, large pants, size 6 shoes

- youth male size S pants, M shirt, shoe size youth 2

Household 3:

- Women: L shirt, L pants

- Teen boys: 2XL and XL

- Boys aged 6 and 4: Size 7 and 5

Household 4 (Family of 7):

- Male: 2XL shirt, 4X shirt, 9.5 shoes, 3X boxers

- Female: 2X shirt, 1X pants, two females, size 7 shoes

- 2 Young girls: L shirts and Lpants

- Toddler: 6T, two girls size 2 shoes.

Clothing donations can be brought to the Salish Sea Market during operating hours. Please do not drop off donations at the store when it is closed. We are also seeking furniture and bed donations at Nathan Sam’s home on 8349 Tsussie Rd.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to:

Angie Gray

Rob Morton

Chief Jack

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, Chief Jack”