We have always been able to quickly respond to international efforts because of the established international structures with trusted partners in rescue and relief like the Joint Distribution Committee. Recently, with more severe weather events happening in our own backyard, there has been an increased need for methods to distribute funds locally, effectively and efficiently.

Thankfully, with our expertise in bringing partners together and facilitating collaborations, we have been able to draw upon the relationships with other faith-based and ethno-cultural organizations, and various levels of government, that we and our partners, like our advocacy agent The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), have been cultivating for years. This is enabling us to create the response network needed here to respond to local crises, such as the recent floods.

Forming key partnerships is one aspect of our strategic approach to ensure that we maximize not only our impact, but that of our partners and our donors. Our response to BC flood relief is the perfect example of that.

First, knowing that funds would be needed in both the short and long terms, we immediately opened the BC Flood Relief Fund with a $10,000 disbursement from our emergency relief fund.

Next, we formed a working group that included representatives from CIJA, Jewish Family Services, Rabbi Bregman our inter-faith liaison, and our community engagement department. This cross-organizational team had the relationships and expertise to identify needs and build impactful partnerships.

It often happens that a crisis stops making headlines long before its effects stop being felt. That is why we are thinking beyond the immediate needs. By partnering with PearTree Canada, the Sikh community, and other organizations, our strategic approach will ensure we can continue to help as needs evolve over time.

Thanks to the support of hundreds of donors, including funds from Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island, we proud to share that we have raised over $300,000 to help those affected by the BC Floods.

How We’ve Helped So Far

• $36,000 to the Surrey Sikh temple and the Guru Nanak Food Bank to offset the cost of shipping the goods to Merritt and renting a warehouse to establish a new food bank there, as well as the purchase of blankets and air mattresses for people who have been displaced by the flooding or lost their possessions or both.
• $25,000 directed to GiveClear Canada Foundation to support ongoing efforts, which includes $12,000 to support displaced agricultural workers from Mexico whose belongings were lost in the floods.