Helping the Kerr residents

Posted: January 6 - 2011

Fortunately there are many ways to help and many businesses and organizations are accepting donations. They include:

• The Capitol Theatre is accepting clothing donations from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 421 Victoria St.

• Positive Apparel has offered vouchers to Kerr residents for clothing and housewares. They are also accepting furniture donations for the residents at their  721 Front St. location.

Positive Apparel is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Former residents of the Kerr can call the store at (250) 505-5444 and ask to speak to the manager, Sean Keely.

• The Family Place at Kootenay Kids, 312 Silica St., is available to help families with children under six years old. Parents with those young children can go to the Family Place or call Cathy Spears at (250) 352-6678 extension 228. The Family Place has clothing, winter coats and other help for families with young children.

• Donation drive on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be an opportunity for people donate essential items to people affected by the Kerr fire at the Nelson and District Community Complex, 305 Hall St. Chad Hansen, morning host of 103.5 The Bridge, says they’re looking for the basics: diapers, sleepers, clothes and other essentials. They will also accept cash donations. This is organized by The Bridge, Salvation Army and Nelson Star.

• The Salvation Army is also collecting information from people who might have a room or living space to rent to the displaced. Major Yvonne Borrows from the Salvation Army says there were three families that will need two- to three-bedroom apartments and then many singles or couples who will need a room. People who might have a space to rent can phone Borrows at (250) 352-3488.

• Our Daily Bread will offer a lunch and dinner to those evacuated from the Kerr and they need donations and volunteers to make it happen, says Pastor Jim Reimer. Our Daily Bread normally offers a lunch, but will add meals for the people affected by the fire for seven days a week until the end of January. Donations of raw food and money are encouraged as well as volunteers to help keep costs down. Donations can be made online at Our Daily Bread‘s website or in person at 812 Stanley St.

• SHARE Nelson is accepting donations of household items (small appliances, dishes, cutlery, cups, plates, etc) for the Kerr fire people. Donations can be dropped off at 612 Lakeside Dr. from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

• The Kootenay Network (which the Nelson Post belongs to) has started a group to help connect people with those in need. Visit it at the Kerr Support Group and look for ways you can help.