Residents of British Columbia struggle under a state of emergency that has lasted more than a month after catastrophic flooding and mudslides devastated the province. Wide-reaching efforts are underway to provide materials relief, and Canadian truckers are on task.
“Reopening the Coquihalla to commercial trucks and intercity buses was an important step in our recovery from November’s storm damage,” Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming reportedly stated.
Along with keeping the supply lines open, organizations such as Trucks for Change have made concerted efforts to gather goods, materials and ensure they are transported to vital locations. Trucks for Change earned a reputation for coordinating the efforts of non-profits to keep resources such as food banks stocked. Supporting people affected by the massive flooding poses such as Herculean task that Trucks for Change partnered with the Canadian Trucking Alliance to support front lines workers of the Canadian Red Cross.
“While those who were stranded are slowly being moved out of affected areas, there are many who lost their homes and possessions who continue to need food, supplies, and assistance,” the Canadian Trucking Alliance reportedly stated. “Urge your fellow trucking industry compatriots to pitch in and donate to the Red Cross through Trucks For Change. Point out how their support will make a huge difference in people’s lives during this desperate time.”
After the flooding shut down highways, more than 100 heavy-duty commercial vehicles were reportedly trapped at a Merritt, B.C., truck stop. Severe weather events have disrupted communities across the province, and some leaders indicate the recovery could take upwards of two years. Members of Truck for Change and supporters plan to back the Red Cross, come what may.
“Trucks for Change has a longstanding and cooperative relationship with the Canadian Red Cross that typically involves moving shipments of emergency supplies throughout Canada to support their emergency efforts,” Trucks for Change chairman Scott Smith reportedly said. “The flooding in B.C. is typically the type of disaster for which Trucks for Change’s trucking services would have been requested.”
Donations have already exceeded short-term monetary goals of $50,000 from the rucking community and others. Charitable giving continues to grow at a time when winter weather impacts the region, and a long recovery remains ahead.
“We want to thank Trucks for Change, and the Canadian trucking industry for their support as we continue to assist those impacted by the devasting floods in B.C.,” Melanie Soler, vice-president, emergency management at the Canadian Red Cross, reportedly said. “Our teams will be there to support people and communities as they recover in the weeks and months ahead.”
Sources: trucknews.com, flipboard.com
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