How to Help the Summerland Victims of Forest Fires

If you are a BC wine lover, you probably visited Summerland and the Okanagan to enjoy the scenery, food, and wine, but we are now all thinking about the terrible tragedy with the Summerland forest fires.  How can we help, no matter where we are across Canada?  Here are a few suggestions, some of which have been emailed to me, and I am passing along to you.

From Town Hall Brands, this press release:

#SummerlandStrong ( Photo: Kari Medig for TOTA BC)
#SummerlandStrong ( Photo: Kari Medig for TOTA BC)

[SUMMERLAND, BC] – As the Bald Range wildfire continues to impact Summerland and surrounding areas, people across British Columbia have been asking a simple question: How can we help?

While firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and community members continue the urgent work of protecting people, homes and businesses, there is another meaningful way British Columbians can support Summerland right now and, in the weeks, and months ahead: use their purchasing power.

Summerland is home to a vibrant community of farmers, growers, wineries, cideries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, artists, makers, accommodation providers and independent businesses. Many of these businesses support local families and employ people who live in the community, including some who have been directly affected by the wildfire.

Every purchase helps keep money moving through the local economy at a time when Summerland needs it most.

Six Ways for People to support Summerland:

  1. Buy a Summerland product. Look for Summerland-made wine, cider, beer, spirits, food, art and other locally made products at retailers, restaurants or online.

  2. Buy a gift certificate. Purchase one now for a favourite Summerland restaurant, winery, cidery, shop, experience or accommodation provider to use in the future or give to someone else.

  3. Choose Summerland when dining out. When ordering wine, cider, beer or spirits at a restaurant, ask for something made in Summerland.

  4. Support businesses online. Follow Summerland businesses and producers on social media, share their posts and help their stories reach new audiences.

  5. Plan a future visit. When it is safe and appropriate to return, consider booking a fall or future getaway in Summerland and supporting local accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and experiences.

  6. Tell someone about Summerland. Recommend a favourite winery, restaurant, shop, artist, producer or experience to friends and family.

The message is simple: choose Summerland whenever and wherever you can.

A bottle purchased at a local liquor store, a Summerland product ordered online, a gift card tucked away for a future visit or a social media post shared with friends may feel like a small gesture. Collectively, those actions can make a meaningful difference to the people and businesses navigating the effects of this wildfire.

“Summerland is a quaint, friendly town bursting with great produce and products that we would love to introduce people to,” says Christine Coletta, Summerland resident and owner of Haywire and Garnet Valley Ranch wineries.

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From Winemaker’s CUT:

Throughout August, 100% of tasting fees and $2 from every bottle sold will be donated to wildfire relief efforts. To help you enjoy Winemaker’s CUT from home, we are also offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders throughout August.

Every tasting, bottle, and order will help provide support to people and communities navigating the immediate impact of the wildfires.

Thank you for keeping those affected in your thoughts and for standing with our community during this challenging time.

https://winemakerscut.ca/shop

Warmly,

Winemaker’s CUT

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The Canadian Red Cross has a Canadian Wildfire fund set up at this link.

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If you know of any other winery, restaurant, etc., that is offering to help our wildfire victims, please let me know and I will add them to this list.  Thank you.

Author: mywinepal
Drink Good Wine. That is my motto and I really want to help you drink good wine. What is good wine? That can be a different thing for each people. Food also loves wine so I also cover food and wine pairings, restaurant reviews, and world travel. Enjoy life with me. MyWinePal was started by Karl Kliparchuk, WSET. I spent many years with the South World Wine Society as the President and then cellar master. I love to travel around the world, visiting wine regions and sharing my passion for food & wine with you. Come live vicariously through me, and enjoy all my recommended wines.

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