It’s been over two months since the residents of Telegraph Creek were evacuated from their homes, but over Thanksgiving weekend evacuees and their families gathered in Terrace to feast together.
Elks Hall was filled on Oct. 6 as people enjoyed the dinner sponsored by the First Nations Health Authority. Annita McPhee, a health and social support worker with the Emergency Operations Centre in Terrace, said it was important to bring back a sense of home when so many are dealing with loss.
“It was a beautiful evening of community and delicious food,” McPhee wrote on Facebook.
Annita McPhee
Thanksgiving Dinner with our people in Terrace was a beautiful evening of community and delicious food. Meduh Cho to First Nations Health Authority for sponsoring tonight's Dinner and Meduh Cho to...
“Our people are strong and doing everything they can to keep their spirits up and the support has been really great. At the same time, staying in hotels and with the family is starting to wear on everyone.”
READ MORE: Telegraph Creek evacuation order will stretch into winter
Twenty-one homes in Telegraph Creek homes were destroyed by the fire, one of the province’s largest blazes in what’s the worst fire season on record, in terms of land area. With potential months ahead before residents can return home, McPhee emphasized the need for continued donations and support to the Tahltan Fire Relief Fund as winter approaches.
Donations can be brought to the Tahltan Fire Relief Donation Centre at 5412 Hwy 16 (next to Mumfords) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The need for food, toiletries and warmer clothing is ongoing. Any questions can be directed to Annita McPhee at 604-339-4393. For a full list and updates, visit the Telegraph Creek Donation Drive Facebook page.
Those interested in donating to the Telegraph Creek Relief Fund, please contact Calvin Carlick, Executive Director, Tahltan Central Government. Email: executivedirector@tahltan.org Phone: (250)-771-3274.
—-with files from Quinn Bender
brittany@terracestandard.com
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