Fundraising the focus

With the deadline for filing immediate flood relief forms gone, the Thunder Bay Disaster Relief Committee is adjusting its focus to fundraising.

So far the committee has raised $700,000, including funds brought in through the Red Cross and Salvation Army, which will qualify for the province’s 2-for-1 credit. But just how much will need to be raised isn’t known at this time, said committee chairman Wayne Fletcher.

“The scope of this is huge,” he said Thursday.

“We’re talking about millions of dollars we’re going to have to have. How much? We can’t tell you right now because we don’t know all of the claims.”

About 530 immediate relief forms were filed, but Fletcher said they expect that number to rise once all the claim forms have been submitted by October.

He said the $3.2 million the province initially stated they would give for flood relief was an initial number and the city could receive more money from the Ontario government.

“If we exceed that, which I think we’re going to have to exceed that because it is a huge issues we’re dealing with, they can also go and get money from the federal government or they could increase it themselves, which they’ve indicated they might,” said Fletcher.

Many local organizations have been hosting fundraising events for flood relief, which the committee is grateful for, said Fletcher.

He added those groups should also let the Disaster Relief Committee know about the events.

“We can provide some services,” he said, noting they can provide signage for the group as well as a committee member to help out.

Disaster Relief program manager Kari Chiappetta said those are the next steps they’re really focusing on for fundraising.

“We really want to encourage community groups and organizations to host events on behalf of the Disaster Relief Committee,” she said. “My big focus is trying to support those and nay of the initiatives the committee puts forth.”

The committee will be launching a formal fundraising plan in September.

In the meantime, they will continue their presence at events like Summer in the Parks and Hymers Fall Fair.

To make donations, register or event or for more information visit www.thunderbay.ca/flood.