An 
online fundraiser has been launched to assist the victims of May’s flash flood in nearby Cache Creek.
The Cache Creek community declared a State of Emergency on May 24 after a torrential downpour delivered more than 30 millimetres of rain in less than an hour, overflowing nearby waterways, flooding streets, and causing massive property damage in the community.
Lisa Dafoe, councillor and emergency social services coordinator for Cache Creek, said many homeowners would not be covered by their insurance providers, and Emergency Management B.C. would only cover 80 per cent of the damages — leaving a large hole still needing to be covered.
“Some people may not qualify for any financial assistance and others may only qualify to receive 80 per cent of their homes’ assessed value from the government,” Dafoe said.
“Also, no landscaping costs will be covered and there’s a lot damage and debris.”
Dafoe estimates 80 per cent of the flood victims will need to draw on this fund. There are 155 affected people with 24 homes being the most significantly damaged.
Many people are surprised to learn most home insurance will cover flooding related to plumbing or other related issues, however it will not cover damage caused by natural disasters. Also, Emergency Management BC only covers 80 per cent of damage to essential property (which is the provincial standard). This is by assessed value, which may not be what the home may have actually sold for.
“We live in a low income area with many seniors on fixed incomes. We also have many renters whose homes may never be replaced and will be in temporary shelters for quite a while,” she said.
Organizers have yet to set a date when the money will be distributed. Residents will apply with allocations decided on by a Committee of the Whole comprised of members of the United Way, the local bank, the fire department and other local organizations.
The goal is to raise enough money to cover the remaining 20 per cent not covered by the emergency provincial funding as well as the anticipated landscaping costs.
Dafoe stressed this fundraiser is for directly affected residents and not for the Village of Cache Creek which is responsible for repairing infrastructure damage.
“We are so grateful for all the love and support we have received but the highest need right now is financial support,” Dafoe said.
Last week the United Way announced they will match donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000. The fund currently sits at over $57,000.
Donate here: http://fnd.us/c/8zs29
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