The Burnaby Board of Trade is calling on its members to assist those who lost everything in the devastating Smith Avenue fire on Feb. 17.
With more than 100 homeless, the board is seeking out any member who can help towards the relief efforts by way of donating or providing services.
"The Burnaby Board of Trade is working to assist a number of organizations in helping these individuals get through this tough time," Paul Holden, the board's president and CEO, states in a letter to its members. "Their biggest immediate need is to replace their identification, which is very expensive. Without identification the fire victims cannot access their bank accounts or rent new accommodation."
Some of the victims are from Manitoba, and birth certificates take about six to eight weeks unless an extra $80 is paid. Other residents who are from Alberta have to get their birth certificate application notarized.
"Please consider donating whatever you can to assist the Smith Avenue fire victims," Holden states.
Anyone who can provide a notary service to one of the former Smith Avenue residents can contact MLA Kathy Corrigan's office at 605-775-2414.
The Salvation Army at 6125 Nelson St. is accepting cash donations, clothing and housing goods.
Also, the Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness is currently helping those in need find affordable housing. If anyone has an affordable place to rent in the city, contact Wanda Mulholland, the task force's community development coordinator, at 604-317-8114.
