SFU takes action: B.C. flood relief response
Last week, devastating floods, landslides and infrastructure damage impacted southern B.C. and Indigenous communities, including some areas of Surrey, Abbottsford, Chilliwack, Sumas Prairie, multiple First Nations and other communities, leaving people without homes, basic necessities, livelihoods, and in some cases, everything.
Hazardous weather is again expected to return over the next few days, further impacting affected areas and adding to the call for needed relief.
These are our colleagues, students, neighbours and friends and our hearts go out to anyone impacted by this catastrophe now and over the coming months.
This is not a time for words, but to mobilize and take action.
An extensive and growing group of contributing and collaborating partners, including SFU’s three campuses, SFSS, GSS, clubs, faculty and staff groups, SFU Childcare, Highlands Elementary School, Point Church and UniverCity Community Association are all coming together with local and regional agencies to support our impacted neighbours and identify areas of most need.
As we coordinate our relief efforts, we will provide you with a more comprehensive list of ways to help in the coming days to support current and longer-term needs. In the meantime, here are some ways you can act:
Accepting Donations:
- Archway Community Services (Abbotsford/Chilliwack)
- Abbotsford Community Foundation
United Way - Canadian Red Cross
- Chilliwack YMCA
Food, Toy and Toiletry Drive:
As of Monday, November 29, we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries and new, unwrapped toys across all three campuses at the following locations:
Drop-off Locations:
Vancouver
Surrey
Burnaby
- Bennett Library
- Bookstore & Spirit Shop (MBC 2100)
- Student Union Building (SUB)
- Multifaith Centre (AQ 3200)
Our food service partners at Chartwells have also announced they will be generously matching SFU community food donations pound for pound.
Gift wrapping of toy donations will also be provided by the community.
For those SFU students impacted by the recent flooding, we encourage you to get in touch with student_support@sfu.ca immediately for guidance and access to emergency resources.
Please don’t wait. Together, our SFU community and valued partners can make an impact to help those in need. For more information on how you can help or to offer additional support, please email flood-response@sfu.ca. Thank you for your care, compassion and action.