The Village of Cache Creek is accepting donations to assist in the aftermath of the disastrous May 23 flash flood through a crowdfunding platform sponsored by Black Press.
The blackpress4good funding platform is accessed online at blackpress4good.com and is being promoted through its community newspapers, including the 100 Mile House Free Press.
The heavy rainfall that swept through the Village displaced more than 130 residents in 63 homes and destroyed two houses, leading Village of Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta to declare a state of emergency.
Ranta noted Councillor Wyatt McMurray was chairing a funding committee. It will soon set criteria for how to apply for some the money raised, and determine who will be recipients.
In the South Cariboo, Royal Lepage 100 Mile Realty realtors donated $1,000 to assist families displaced in the flood.
Office manager Ron Kelly noted that when he passed along the cheque, he heard Ranta say provincial relief is available to people who lost their homes.
However, he added, it only covers up to 80 per cent of their repairs, with the property value excluded.
"This will leave many of them in bad shape. One lady said she is eligible for $180,000 and her mortgage balance is $204,000."
The 100 Mile House Free Press staff has donated $200, and challenged other Black Press community newspapers to meet or beat that amount.
Many people affected by the flood lost almost everything they owned, and most of them were told this is not covered by insurance.
Anyone who wants to donate to the Cache Creek fund can go to https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/8zs29.
More information on the Cache Creek recovery effort and status is online at www.cachecreekvillage.com.
As of June 3, $57,912 has been raised to help the Cache Creek residents.