The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is providing a total of $75,000 to the Cranbrook and Fernie Food Banks and local Salvation Army to help provide much needed resources and support in the region.

“The funding comes from a provincial program aimed at providing support to areas impacted by recent downturns in the forestry sector,” explained Electoral Area B Director Stan Doehle. “In this region, Galloway Lumber Co. was impacted by layoffs in 2019 and as such, this funding will need to be used within Area B and the immediate surrounding communities of Cranbrook and Fernie.”

The RDEK this morning reported that $45,000 will be provided to the Salvation Army, $20,000 to the Cranbrook Food Bank, and $10,000 to the Fernie Food Bank.

Employees of Galloway Lumber (pictured) can contact the Salvation Army and are eligible for a $500 relief package that includes a series of gas and grocery gift cards. Employees will be required to call the Salvation Army in Cranbrook in advance to arrange pick up and show photo ID at the time of pick up.

The remainder of the funding will go toward supporting the wider community. “We are deeply grateful for this funding from the province,” added Doehle. “With so many impacts on the local economy in the midst of this pandemic, we know there are individuals and families who need some extra support. This funding will make a tremendous difference in our communities right now.”

The funding is part of a $69 million announcement by the province last year to fund a series of measures aimed at supporting British Columbia forest workers impacted by mill closures and shift reductions in several BC Interior communities.

Learn more about the Forestry Worker Supports being implemented by the province.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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