Customers visiting BC Liquor Stores (BCLS) and BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) gave generously to the Canadian Red Cross, with more than $1.45 million in donations going directly to assist B.C. residents affected by this year’s devastating wildfires.

This amount will be matched by both the Province and federal government, for a total exceeding $4.35 million.

“This wildfire season has been devastating for our province. Our thoughts are with the affected First Nations and impacted communities,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “British Columbians have shown their sense of community and generosity by making donations to the Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Fires Appeal. These donations will now be matched by the provincial and federal government – every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by wildfires. These funds will support people and communities as they recover and rebuild.”

The funds raised will help the Canadian Red Cross support immediate and ongoing relief efforts in B.C. communities affected by wildfires, as well as support long-term recovery, resiliency and preparedness for future events in British Columbia and affected regions.

“Thank you to all the customers and staff at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch for your incredible support of the Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Fires Appeal," said Patrick Quealey, vice-president, British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross. "This year’s wildfire season has impacted communities throughout the province, and every dollar allows us to deliver much-needed help, now and in the weeks and months ahead."

At the beginning of July, the Province and federal government announced they would match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross up to $20 million.

"This summer, we’ve witnessed first-hand the devastation from the wildfires and our thoughts are with all those who lost their homes and had their lives disrupted," said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). "Once again, our customers have displayed overwhelming generosity and we are thrilled that the provincial and federal governments will be matching their donations. We are proud to be an official disaster partner of the Canadian Red Cross and are grateful to our employees for their incredible support of these important campaigns.”

For BCLS, the stores that raised the most throughout the campaign were:

• #130 Penticton Plaza, raising $46,261
• #048 Salmon Arm, raising $41,581
• #158 Langley, raising $39,599

For BCCS, the top three stores were:

• #7020 Kamloops Columbia Place, raising $12,165
• #7023 Campbell River, raising $8,631
• #7024 Fort St. John, raising $5,817

The LDB is an official disaster-relief supporter for the Canadian Red Cross, allowing the collection of Red Cross donations from BCLS and BCCS customers throughout British Columbia after major disasters. Since 2003, BCLS customers and employees have raised nearly $4 million to help the Canadian Red Cross provide disaster relief for humanitarian crises at home and abroad.

The LDB will soon launch its next fundraising campaign in its liquor and cannabis stores, in support of Food Banks BC. The campaign will run from Nov. 12, 2021, until Jan. 1, 2022. Funds collected by BCLS and BCCS on behalf of Food Banks BC are given to the food bank in the community where the funds are raised. Since April 2020, BCLS and BCCS have raised more than $1,631,818 for Food Banks BC.

The LDB contributes more than $1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia. The contribution helps provide financial support for vital public services, including health care and education.