Sometimes the only way to counter fear, anger and despair is to come together as a community and support one another, and that’s exactly what Coasters did this past week.
With news of the forest fire near Sechelt daily growing in size, community members decided to turn their concern into acts of kindness for crews battling the blaze.
Owners of the Sechelt Fish Market set up a donation drop-off in their store and Coasters filled the space daily with fresh baked goods and gifts for the men and women on the fire ground.
The Sechelt Nation opened their band hall to allow volunteers to cook breakfast and dinner for the firefighters, and dozens of community members stepped up to help provide the food, cook it and clean up daily.
Hundreds of community members took to Facebook to post notes of thanks to the firefighters and some made signs of support to put up on the highway.
Grocery stores offered food and supplies at no cost to crews, restaurants donated meals, citizens offered to pay for coffees and treats, and firefighters were even surprised with a standing ovation in an establishment where their bill was taken care of one afternoon.
Individuals also offered to do things like wash clothing for the hard-working firefighters via Facebook pages set up specifically to help.
Ken Taekema, the fire centre manager for the BC Wildfire Service, sent a note of thanks to Mokie Burnham at the Sechelt Fish Market this week, noting he wanted “to pass on to you and the community, on behalf of the entire Coastal Fire Centre, a huge thank you for your support for our fire crews on the Sechelt fire.”
He went on to say it was especially moving, considering the loss of beloved Roberts Creek faller John Phare in a fire ground accident on July 5. “This is a very sad time for the community and all of us with the BC Wildfire Service,” he said.
Coasters were shocked and saddened to hear of Phare’s passing Sunday afternoon. Hoping to provide an outlet for some of that despair, Christine Turner of Embellish Emporium set up a way for the community to help within a day of hearing about the accident.
She offered to take donations of funds and cards of condolence to deliver to the Phare family through her store because, she said, “I just felt the need to do something.”
Turner also set up an online fundraising page for the Phare family at www.gofundme.com/johnpharememorial, which had well over $4,000 donated to it as of Thursday.
Another account has been established at the Sunshine Coast Credit Union to accept donations for Phare’s family.
Lonnie Phare said the family is very grateful for the outpouring of support from the community since his brother’s death, which is why a celebration of life for Phare will be open to the community on Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre arena.
No doubt hundreds will come to pay their respects to the man who lost his life trying to help save our town from the destruction a fire can bring.
There’s something about coming together to support one another, despite the anger and despair we’re all feeling, that’s healing and helps us move on, although it will take a long time to fully heal from the tragedy the last week has brought.
