When news of the Elephant Hill wildfire reached Julia Kidder in Norway, she knew she had to do something to help. And with the assistance of family and friends, she organized a “flash fundraiser” that raised $6,000 for the Ashcroft Indian Band.
Kidder—the daughter of Ashcroft resident John Kidder—grew up in Vancouver, but spent a good deal of time in Ashcroft with her grandparents at their home on the Bonaparte River, where her father now lives and where she is a regular visitor.
Her father was visiting with her in Norway in early July, and they heard about the fire that devastated the area.
“The first thing we heard out of Ashcroft was about the Ashcroft Reserve and Boston Flats,” says Kidder from Vancouver, where she is paying an annual visit.
“I have a lot of friends who are musicians and artists, or who are involved in the activist community in Vancouver, who have come up to Ashcroft to visit me, and know the area.”
Julia put out the word about a fundraiser, and received original artwork, photographic prints, pottery, and more from artists and artisans as far away as Montreal. The band Walter TV agreed to play at the event at no cost, and Wise Hall in Vancouver donated the venue free of charge at short notice.
On August 5 the fundraiser took place, with close to 200 people crowding into Wise Hall. Volunteers had prepared food, and Julia says a lot of people worked hard to make the event a success.
“My uncle is the sound guy at the Vancouver Playhouse, and he did the sound for the event. Lots of people helped.”
Even though the initial fundraiser event is over, Julia says that they are still accepting donations for the Ashcroft Indian Band. An account has been set up where people can donate directly to the Band, at https://www.youcaring.com/ashcroftindianband-896581.
“With these types of natural events happening more frequently, people want to help, and flash fundraising is an easy way to do it,” says Julia. “And it’s a great community-to-community way to help.”