Lytton BC Fire - Kumsheen Rafting Recovery Fund

Let's start the recovery.

My name is Eric Fandrich and as a boy, I fished my first salmon from Kumsheen, the spot in the picture where the Thompson and Fraser meet. I now live in Langley BC but many of my cousins and family continue to live and work in Lytton. This GoFundMe page is for them. Your donation to this fund will be used for the reconstruction of Kumsheen and Lytton.

On June 30, 2020 after hitting the highest temperatures in history, a wildfire ripped through the village of Lytton BC, forcing the evacuation of the residents and my relatives living there. The core of the village was completely destroyed by the conflagration. In the immediate aftermath, we learned from the reconnaissance helicopters and our relatives that their houses and businesses in town were completely destroyed by the fire.

The RCMP informed us that Kumsheen Rafting was also damaged by the blaze. This is a major blow to Lytton, as Kumsheen white water river rafting draws many people to vacation in Lytton from all over Canada. To assist with Lytton's recovery, we need to recover the livelihoods of those living there quickly as we can.

The town's communications infrastructure was destroyed, and the Police cordon and investigation have precluded our ability to properly assess the damage, but as soon as we are able, we will provide updates.
 
We are raising money to fund the near term and medium term recovery needs of Kumsheen Rafting and Lytton BC. This will be an on-going effort as more is known and the best approach for recovery of livelihoods and revitalization of the community is decided by the residents of Lytton, with your support.

[Aerial photo showing burned out buildings of Lytton. taken by Valley Helicopters on July 1, 2021]