Anglicans invited to support Territory of the People in aftermath of fire
July 2, 2021
By Janice Biehn
PWRDF is offering assistance to the Territory of the People with a solidarity grant of $5,000. The Central Interior B.C. Territory is in dire need due to the sudden fire which destroyed the village of Lytton and Lytton First Nation Wednesday afternoon.
“We are all in shock at the tragic news of the fire in the village of Lytton, the Lytton First Nation, and surrounding areas,” says a July 1 letter signed by Archbishop Lynne McNaughton, Bishop Gordon Light and Bishop Barbara Andrews. “We wait in hope to learn whether all are safe. We are aware that many have lost homes and businesses, and are displaced into other communities. We don’t know the whole extent of the damage, but it is widespread and devastating.”
Read the whole letter here.
The fire comes after the record-breaking heat wave that baked B.C. for the previous five days. The fire started quickly, forcing residents to evacuate within minutes.
The Territory is currently raising funds directly to help clergy provide cash for emergency needs of those who have been made homeless or are displaced by the fire. Funds raised will also support future rebuilding.
How can you help?
PWRDF is now accepting donations to the Territory of the People as it supports recovery from the fire. Give online to Emergency Response and type “Lytton Fire Emergency Fund” in the comments field. You may also donate by phoning Donor Relations Officer Mike Ziemerink at 416-822-9083, or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and we will return your call. You may also send a cheque to PWRDF at 80 Hayden St., Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2 and mark “Lytton Fire Emergency Fund” in the memo field.
Pray with the community of Lytton
O God, you are our refuge and our strength,
our help in times of trouble:
Have mercy on the lands and communities devastated by fires,
and especially the people of the village of Lytton and Lytton First Nations.
Have mercy on those who have lost lives, lost homes and livelihoods.
Protect those who have had to evacuate.
Bless and keep safe all firefighters.
And strengthen those who seek to rebuild hope
that all may face the future without fear.
We pray this in the name
of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.
For media requests, please email Communications and Marketing Coordinator Janice Biehn at [email protected].