Cedar Heights Social Centre
Where neighbours become friends
By Bryan Lowes
The crisis our region has endured for the past month is now ebbing, but the cleanup and the restoration will take years. The impacts on our families and local businesses are profound and there will be much suffering and loss to endure. However, in the midst of this situation we can reflect on the fact that the wildfire crisis also brought out the best inf most people in their response and support for others.
It has been amazing to watch as south shore residents took in neighbours and friends from the north shore who had to evacuate. Individuals jumped in to set up boat convoys to take food, water and other supplies to Anglemont for residents who were told to shelter in place. Local businesses, like Finz and Blind Bay Village Grocers stepped up to support these efforts while individuals donated what they could.
Fundraising efforts are underway on many fronts to support those who need help. A Car Show in Salmon Arm raised over $50,000. A concert on the water at the Sea Store had hundreds of boats attend and donated funds flowed into nets by the thousands of dollars. Shuswap Community Foundation has established a fund for individuals and businesses to contribute funds. Shuswap Strong T-shirts and hoodies are already being sold by the hundreds with the net proceeds going into the relief efforts. The response to the need is amazing. Despite the destruction, this was another example of what a wonderful community we live in.
Now we must look to the future. As a local community association, Cedar Heights will be redoubling our efforts to support FireSmart efforts by residents as well as on our own property. We will also continue to promote the formation of Neighbourhood Emergency Programs by local neighbours to assist emergency response personnel in a future crisis.
The Cedar Social Centre is open again, but we will be reviewing the role of our association in times of emergency. Our programs, activities and events are needed more than ever by members and guests. Keep Fit starts up again September 6 th and we will have an Oktoberfest potluck dinner on the 23rd. In October we look forward to a unique interactive Grease event. Our members and guests need these social outlets and personal interactions to restore balance to their lives. The need for community associations has never been greater.
