Support community foundations responding to BC’s wildfire recovery

This summer, wildfires have swept across British Columbia, burning through more than 100 fires province-wide and forcing over 20,000 people from their homes, becoming one of the largest wildfire evacuations B.C. has seen in years. Families are staying in community halls. Farms and homes have been lost. Local businesses are hurting. And the work of recovery is only beginning.

Thankfully, BC’s community foundations are already on the ground . Rooted in the communities they serve, they know which local organizations are doing the work and where support is needed most, both right now, and in the months ahead.

If you’d like to help, here are three wildfire response funds you can support today.

South Okanagan Similkameen 

The Bald Range wildfire has forced thousands of residents from Summerland, Peachland, and surrounding areas, with some still unable to return home. The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has established the SOS Wildfire Response Fund to support individuals, families, and communities as they recover and rebuild.

North Okanagan 

As wildfires continue to affect the North Okanagan, Community Foundation North Okanagan’s Wildfire Response 2026 Fund offers a trusted, local way to support evacuees and the organizations helping them. Your gift stays close to home, supporting both immediate needs and the community’s longer-term recovery. 

Interior BC 

Across the Thompson, Nicola, and South Cariboo regions, wildfires continue to test communities’ capacity to respond and rebuild. The BC Interior Community Foundation’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund supports the charities and non-profits doing that work directly, with funding focused on communities affected by recent emergencies and set to expand as more resources come in.

Why give through a community foundation 

These organizations are part of the communities they serve. They know the local non-profits, understand what’s needed, and help make sure your gift reaches people and organizations doing trusted work — now, and through the years of recovery ahead. 

We will continue to update this page as we hear of more wildfire relief funds established across the province. If you know of a community foundation-led fund supporting wildfire-affected communities, send the details to [email protected] so we can help amplify their work. 

Thank you for standing with BC communities during this difficult time. Every donation helps provide support today and strengthens recovery for the months and years ahead.