Local organizations are stepping up to the plate to help deal with the aftermath of today's devastating fire.
Dozens of people were left without homes and their possessions were destroyed, after fire tore through a building at 404 Ash St. Within hours of the blaze, residents were contacting local agencies and area schools inquiring how they could help.
The City of New Westminster has been in contact with local organizations that are ready and willing to accept donations for affected residents.
The Salvation Army, located at 325 Sixth St., will accept clothing and small household items (no furnishings), while St. Barnabas Church, located at 1010 Fifth Ave.) will accept clothing, small household items and small furnishings. You can reach the Salvation Army at 604-521-0363 and St. Barnabas Church at 604-526-6646.
The Hospitality Project at Shiloh Sixth Avenue United Church is also accepting donations of clothing and small household items. Located at 1111 Sixth Ave., volunteers will be on hand on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept donations. For more information, call the Hospitality Project at 604-522-3443.
"We appreciate the generous outpouring of support and encourage anyone wishing to donate to contact these local service organizations," stated a press release from the city.
Anyone wishing to make a cash donation to assist tenants displaced by the fire can drop by the New Westminster branch of Community Savings Credit Union at 1188 Eighth Ave, where an account has been set up. The credit union is open Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy tweeted that her constituency office is available to assist people with finding resources, replacing their identification and other needs. The office, which is at 737 Sixth St., can be reached at 604-775-2101.
