A local resident is trying to organize wildfire relief for the ranchers in B.C.
Speaking July 19, Heather Kelm said it is important to recognize the plight of cattle ranchers alongside that of other evacuees and explained she is looking for people who would like to donate hay or feed.
“We’re also looking for people who can haul the material and we’re doing this in coordination with the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association,” Kelm said, adding it would be best if it was this year’s hay.
Kelm said once the wildfires have been extinguished and damage assessments can be done, it will likely be years before the province recovers.
“My heart is for the ranchers because they are the ones who stayed behind to keep their animals safe. The mayor of Williams Lake only comment to them was to leave their dental records behind, not understanding that this is their [rancher’s] way of life,” she said, adding there are pictures of ranchers driving cattle down the highways covered in soot.
“What I know, being a cowboy’s wife, is that these people are going to have lost hundreds of miles of fence and their ranges and we won’t know until they are able to go back into the danger zones whether they have lost their homes or not. Unfortunately, it is likely they won’t have enough feed and could be short for years.”
“I know they’ve already done whatever they can but rather than waiting until it is all over and then doing something, I have been trying to organize with the Cattlemen’s Association. My husband and I have more than enough off our second cut to see us through the winter and we’re going to donate at least 40 bales,” she said, adding while she is trying to determine if local food stores will be able to supply pet supplies, the focus right now is on hay and feed.
“The Cattlemen’s Association is compiling a list of what they need,” she added.
Kevin Boon, general manager for the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, agreed.
“Currently, the association is acting as a database, collecting information on feed sources available, such as hay and pasture, and then connecting those feed sources with producers,” Boon said, adding most of the connections will happen after the fires are under control.
“People who are willing to help, either through donation or sales, should contact me with their name, number and location, how much feed they have available — pasture verses hay, whether it is horse or cattle quality, the size and number of bales and for pasture, how many pairs can be on it,” she said.
Kelm said helping out is the Canadian thing to do.
“What Canada did for Fort McMurray was unbelievable and the least we can do is the same thing, to show unity and to show we care. When you’re that stressed and know your losses are going to be that big, sometimes knowing someone cares is enough to help you keep going,” Kelm said.
Anyone interested in contributing should contact the association at [email protected] or Heather Kelm at 780-674-4784
