Update from Shawn Plummer, President & CEO for FH Canada:
As you’ve likely heard, Abbotsford, the home of our national office, has been devastated by flooding after a major storm last week. I wanted to let you know that our staff is safe and our office is dry! Though some staff members were initially caught in the BC Interior due to road closures, I'm happy to report that everyone is home safely (though a few have soggy basements!).
I’m deeply grateful for everyone who has reached out. At Food for the Hungry (FH), we often talk about the power of relationships and community. This past week has been a moving demonstration of their strength! Neighbours have provided shelter for one another, volunteers have carried sandbags to protect crucial infrastructure, and brave first responders have rescued people from rising waters.
The hard truth is that, while FH has not been affected directly, many have suffered from the aftermath of the storm and flooding. Homes have been lost, livelihoods have been severely damaged. If you feel moved to give to flood relief efforts, there are wonderful organizations hard at work to help. I’d like to highlight the Archway Food Bank of Abbotsford and the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund.
Instead of participating in flood relief ourselves, FH is choosing to support other organizations with local systems already in place. Yet, this emergency so close to home has emphasized the importance of our international work. While Canada is able to respond quickly and ensure that rebuilding efforts are already underway, this is not the case for many around the world.
In the past year, countries have been rocked by record-breaking storms, droughts, earthquakes, and devastating conflict. If you feel led to respond to these international crises, you can offer support to many though our Emergencies Fund at fhcanada.org/Emergencies
As demonstrated by the past week, we truly never know where a crisis can strike. Sometimes it is on our doorstep and sometimes it is half a world away, but it is always crucial to respond rapidly. Thank you for helping FH to walk alongside those in need during the toughest moments. And thank you for supporting organizations in Abbotsford to do the same.
For current updates on the flooding in Abbotsford and the Southern BC area, please refer to the Fraser Valley Current or other local news sources.
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If you have been affected by the floods and would value support through prayer or conversation, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected] or call our office at 604-853-4262. Our team is always ready to be a listening ear and we regularly pray for requests during our morning meetings.
