Fundraiser for fire victims

Community members flipped burgers and served cupcakes Wednesday at an event to help victims of recent wildfires.

The Fire Disaster Relief for Rock Creek and Oliver Victims fundraiser took place over the lunch hour in the parking lot of the Best Western Hotel in Osoyoos.

"I lost my house in a fire in Osoyoos nine years ago, and I know that fire is the worst thing that can happen. It's devastating," said event organizer Annette Star. "I still go to find something and I don't have it anymore."

Star, a member of the Osoyoos Elks Lodge, and Lucky Gill, general manager of the Best Western, organized the event to give back to the families who lost their homes. Thirty homes burned in the Rock Creek fire as well as 15 other structures. Some buildings were also lost in the Oliver fires.

As of 1 p.m., organizers had raised $16,900.

Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff was among those who showed up to lend a hand.

"We were surrounded by several fires, and it could have happened to any of us," she said. "So we are here to try and help our neighbours."

Janice Thomson, who lost her Westridge home in the Rock Creek fire, said the community aid was absolutely fantastic.

"We got confirmation on the Sunday after the fire started that our property was gone – a garage, a workshop, house, chicken coop, everything. It's devastating, and it looks like a war zone," she said.

Helping them get through was the fact their uninsured Chevy sitting on the property didn't burn and aid from the community.

"There has been an outpouring from Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, all over, which is awesome to see," she said.

All proceeds from Wednesday's event will go to wildfire victims. The Osoyoos Credit Union has also opened an account for the cause, according to event organizers.

Rockin' for Rock Creek, a benefit dance and concert, will be held at Orchard House in Penticton on Sept. 5. Doors open at 7 p.m.