Richmondite launched donations for Lytton wildfire victims

A Richmond woman is raising money to help the residents of Lytton, after a wildfire all but destroyed their town.

Ally Wang spent her weekend doing volunteer work at a fundraising event at Pitt Meadows, where volunteers set up stands to collect donations and supplies to support the Lytton community. 

Wang sent dozens of messages to her family members and friends to ask them to help in any way possible.

“I was heartbroken when I heard from the news that lots of people managed to escape from their homes but left everything behind, including their lifetime savings. I couldn’t imagine the pain and sadness these people have been dealing with at that time,” said Wang. 

Wang also donated hundreds of dollars to several GoFundMe campaigns. 

And, as a freelance writer with a fixed audience in the local Chinese community, Wang’s actions inspired others to follow in her footsteps by making online donations. 

“The funds we raised are far from enough. But I hope to get more people to join us over the next few days. I have faith that we can get through this tough time together,” said Wang. 

In addition, Chinese Radio Vancouver (AM 550), a Chinese-language radio station, has also stepped in to support the Lytton community by collecting donations in Richmond and then delivering supplies to various support centres in Lytton. 

Raymond Liu, of Chinese Radio Vancouver, said they had spent three days in Richmond gathering toilet paper, canned fruit and veggies, deodorant, bottles of water, non-perishable food items and feminine products and wipes. 

“We have seen overwhelming support from our community. We may be living through the darkest times, but embracing hope and kindness is the way out,” said Liu.

To make a donation, visit https://bit.ly/3yt9d8O.