Burnaby Family Life is looking to the community for help after a flood caused significant damage to its Metrotown location.
The flood, which happened in December, was severe enough to force the community organization to temporarily shut down the location. Now the not-for-profit is raising money to help subsidize costs above and beyond what its insurance provider will cover.
“We’re essentially left with about $8,000 to replace everything that’s lost,” said Michel Pouliot, executive director of Burnaby Family Life.
The group’s insurance policy is worth about $30,000 but after expenses incurred by removing, cleaning and storing all the salvageable items in the centre, Pouliot estimates there’ll only be about $8,000 left to replace any damaged items.
On top of those costs, Burnaby Family Life is still required to pay rent for the Metrotown space.
“There’s already been a little bit of a response, and I hope to have some good news,” Pouliot told the NOW.
Folks can donate through Burnaby Family Life’s GoFundMe campaign or through the group’s website directly. Pouliot has estimated the organization will need about $12,000 to make it through to April 1, when the Metrotown centre is expected to reopen. So far, $555 has been raised.
“The money raised is really not dedicated to any particular item, it’s just to help us rebuild and reopen, and so that allows us the flexibility to put it where it needs to go,” he said.
In the meantime, the repairs are on track, and Pouliot expects the centre at 6410 McKercher Ave. to reopen as scheduled by April 1.
Pouliot is also taking this time to remind the community that as a not-for-profit, Burnaby Family Life depends on financial support all year long, not only in times of need. He hopes people will take the time to consider donating on a monthly basis to help keep the organization’s many programs running.
“Anything they can do to support us is greatly appreciated, that’s for sure,” he said.
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/burnabyfamlife or www.burnabyfamilylife.org and click on the “Give” button at the top right corner of the page.
