Lakeland Fund Grows
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 @ 3:18 PM
Prince George, B.C.- Support for the families impacted by the Lakeland Mill explosion and fire continues to grow.
The Prince George Community Foundation now reports that the Lakeland fire Assistance Fund now sits at $110 thousand dollars.
“Donations have eased somewhat” says Community Foundation Executive Director Judy Neiser, “But the dollars do continue to flow into the fund.
There are numerous fundraisers being organized with one set for the Westwood Pub on the 17th of May, a benefit dance to take place at the Blackburn Community Centre on June 9th, Gamescape behind the Hart Mall is scheduling a Gaming Tournament.
The details on how impacted families can apply for assistance have yet to be finalized, an independent committee will be set up to administer the funds. “Out of respect for the employees and their families information about application and criteria will be distributed to them first” says Neiser “ I’m sure it is understood that the process and needs are a highly confidential and emotional matter.”
Comments
That is an amazing total, way to go PG.
I hope they begin to distribute the funds quickly, I am sure the workers families’ who remain hospital could really use some financial assistance. The costs associated with having a family member in the hospital really add up quickly.
This is all well and good – fantastic generosity by the community.
However…
How much financial support is needed from the community for these families and for what purpose?
BC Medical and WorkSafe BC will deal with most of the issues related to injury that can be fixed with money. EI, the union and the company will ease the financial shock of job loss/transition.
This reminds me of the outpouring of support for victims of 9/11 – an easy rallying point for America, but forgotten was that it was “only” 3,000 or so families that lost loved ones as compared to the thousands that die every day in the United States for all kinds of reasons.
In Prince George many families go through hardships as the result of job loss; some are injured, a few die before their time. How much financial support should the community pitch in for the families affected by those losses?
Will this committee be able to direct funds to others in need, or will it betray the gift?
Perhaps the financial need should be identified FIRST and then the fundraising events and campaigns can commence, in balance with needs of others due to unfortunate circumstances.
Sorry to be an a$$hole, but a rational time out is needed.
No, your not being an A-hole … those are good questions… I don’t have any answers but I have been around disasters and tragic situations enough to know that many people outside of the “circle” have a strong desire and a strong need to put forth some kind of help… and most people who have those feelings can only demonstrate that compassion through donating money to the immediate cause or to an agency that is involved in the situation.
Some agencies do take advantage of this generosity and make no hesitation in their buzzard mentality … but that’s another story.
People have needs in their own lives to demonstrate their caring and compassion for those who have fallen by the side or stumbled badly in their individual journeys. To lend a hand… however or whatever form that takes is the essense of the brother/sisterhood of mankind.
Peace and blessings, my friends.
V.
Well said bohemian, good guestions
You also need to remember, especially for those who remain in hospital it is not just one loss of income. In many cases the spouse also has to take time from work indefinitely in order to care for the sick/injured person. For the families of those who lost someone there is also time off for other family members, children who have futures that need to be considered and as for EI it is a maximum 55% of income I believe and it has a cap on time with no exceptions so for those who are still medically unable to work there is a very likely chance that this will still be the case when benefits (union and EI) expire for at least some people.
My hope is that the money gets distributed in the correct manner with no misappropriation of funds but there is no doubt in my mind that there is definitely a need for this fund and it will probably exceed the amount currently in it.
Way to go Prince George.
Whoa buzz kills.You take the fun out of fund raiser,sounds like you`ve never been to one.
I agree Sage
I’m all for raising spirits and non-monitory support.
…non-monetary… stupid iPhone…
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