Kara’s store rallies to support those in need

These days in Kamloops, the temperature hovers in the mid-30s, the air is smoky, and sometimes, ash rains from the sky.

Much of British Columbia is on fire this summer—the province has seen 1,257 wildfires since the season began. Kamloops, in B.C.’s central interior, has been hit particularly hard.

The area has seen about 230 fires, and as of mid-July, one of them was the largest in the province. The Sparks Lake fire, northwest of the city, has prompted evacuation orders and continues to burn out of control. Kamloops also had the worst air quality in Canada at the end of July.

“Kamloops has been surrounded on almost all sides by fires within 50 kilometres,” says Kara Stokes, Store Manager at the Real Canadian Superstore^® in the city. “A lot of people are staying inside as much as they can right now, because the smoke is that intense.”

Both firefighters and evacuees have been gathering essentials at her store—cases of water and electrolyte beverages are some of the most in-demand items.

“As much as we can bring in, we’re putting it out,” says Kara. “Lots of people need those things right now.”

In stores, colleagues across the province have collected donations to support the Canadian Red Cross BC Fires Appeal, Loblaw’s disaster relief partner, and the company has also donated $200,000 worth of groceries to food banks in the affected areas.

A local restaurant, for instance, put 50 meals in a helicopter to send to a firefighting crew working near Kamloops.

Kara grew up in the city, and she’s worked at her store for over 15 years.

“I’ve worked in other stores in our district and colleagues are always very welcoming,” she says. “It’s just that Kamloops is home and I know a lot of people here.”

Her colleagues at RCSS Kamloops are another reason why she’s stayed. “It’s been like a work family.”

Together, they’re helping the community get through this summer—the worst fire season Kamloops has seen in a few years.

Fortunately, there has been some rain in the forecast, and Kara knows that’s what the city needs.

“That’s what I'm hoping for in the near future to help get these fires under control and bring the air quality back to a livable standard.”