Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) has granted $55,000 from the Wildfire Response 2026 Fund to 13 local organizations supporting people who have been displaced by the Bradley Creek wildfire.
The grants fund food security, mental health support help for families who were evacuated or lost property, animal rescue, and services for newcomers and Indigenous residents.
The fund was created at the beginning of August as a place to give after the Bradley Creek wildfire forced evacuations across the North Okanagan.
Since then, 5,471 donors have contributed nearly $350,000. The fund is still open and more granting is planned.
Leanne Hammond, executive director, CFNO said donors gave quickly and generously this summer.
“These grants are the first look at what that generosity has done,” she said.
“The money went to the people who were already showing up: feeding families, caring for animals, getting children back into school. We are grateful to every one of them, and to everyone who gave.”
The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) received $23,000 where the CFNO presented it to Chief and council for food security work. The funds were designed to replace food lost during evacuation, as well as restock freezers, fridges and pantries.
Another $10,000 went towards the What Happens Upstream youth conference, supporting young people affected by the wildfire.
School District 22 also received $10,000 to support 21 families across five schools who were displaced by the fire. Items such as clothing, household necessities and groceries were purchased with this money.
Steve Brandner, Board Chair, Community Foundation North Okanagan said recovery takes far longer than the news coverage does.
“Holding this Fund for the region means we can keep showing up for the North Okanagan long after the evacuation orders lift and that is exactly what a community foundation is for,” he said.
Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) Society Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon and District Branch, Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan, Forever Home Sanctuary Society, Good Food Box Society of North Okanagan, Nexus BC Community Resource Centre Society, Salvation Army Vernon Community Church, Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan and Vernon Immigrant Services all received funding from the grant as well.
CFNO said they’re planning the next round alongside the Canadian Red Cross, United Way BC and other community foundations across the interior, through a group that meets monthly to share what each organization is seeing on the ground.
There is no open application process for the next round, but anyone interested in donating can head to www.cfno.org/wildfire-response-2026
