Support for financial effects of the wildfires

Hi friends, it is with a humble heart that I am reaching out for financial support.

On the night of July 17th a lightening storm started several wildfires in the Slocan Valley,BC canada where I live with my family and run my small business. Over a 4 day period we watched the fires grow into a local state of emergency. The impact of the fires has had and continues to have a far greater financial impact on myself and other small businesses than many of us could have ever imagined. Like many small businesses in my community we rely a great deal on the summer sales to pull us through the year. My little store, kitchen and learning centre have taken a significant hit as a result of the highway being closed to the north, the evacuation of Slocan and lemon creek areas. Many people have left town and those of us that stayed spend have spent most of our time supporting evacuees and working to provide a safe space for people.

The smoke has been very taxing to live in and the all around stress levels have been very high. I personally have lost over $5000 in sales in the last three weeks and continue to loose sales everyday. There is not enough time left this summer to recover from this hit. We have suffered economically in past years from the fires but this year has had the greatest impact by far. I have done my best to sell as many things as I can but again with the fires marketplace sales have dropped off significantly. I have also listed my vehicle for sale.

It has been hard for the community to keep supporting each other as many of us are in the same boat. I am reaching out beyond my immediate community for support.

The intense smoke and stress has had quite an impact on our health both physical and mental. After enduring 3 weeks of it and seeing how negatively it has affected my son and I , I decided we needed to get out for a bit and a dear friend purchased plane tickets for my son and I to come to be with family in Ontario.

While it is great to be here, it is only temporary, it’s hard to keep working and preparing for the fall and the reality of financial stress continues. (we are home now).

I am no stranger to financial challenge but this is far beyond where I am comfortable and am running the risk of not being able to make car payments, utilities, meeting basic needs or coming up with the funds I needed to make this summer to support my girls this fall with a portion of their post secondary education.

I do have business interruption insurance but they will NOT cover me for this because I am located outside the evac order zone. I also do not qualify for employment insurance being self employed. I have called every organization I can think of for local business support but no one has anything to offer in terms of emergency funding.

If you are able to help me and my kids move through this very challenging time please do consider it. It would be very much appreciated to help get me back on my feet and moving forward for fall.

thank you so much

Nicole & kids