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Armstrong donates trailer full of supplies for victims of Lytton fire

Organizer driving it up to relief centre Friday morning

Donations destined for the villagers of Lytton whose homes were destroyed in a catastrophic fire on June 30 were being collected in Armstrong Thursday.

Organizers Matt Jubinville and his partner Allysha West had the day off and wanted to do something to help.

“The idea spiralled from there,” Jubinville said from a rest stop in Hope July 2, en route to Boston Bar to deliver the goods in a convoy with vehicles from other collection stations from Chilliwack and Langley.

Jubinville put a call out to his neighbours saying he parked an empty trailer in the parking lot of Askew’s Foods July 1 and was ready to collect household items.

“Let’s fill this trailer up Armstrong,” he wrote.

Bedding, pillows, pet supplies, towels and toiletries, fans, children’s activities, non-perishable foods and water were called for in the post shared to the Armstrong Community Information Group.

The people answered.

By the end of the day, Jubinville had nearly filled the trailer to the top.

Jubinville said he and West were blown away by the support.

“I’d say we collected at least 3,500 to 4,000 pounds of stuff,” he said. “We had people literally show up with cars entirely filled up.”

He noted the business community was also quick to respond. Local thrift stores, pet shops and more contributed.

“One company donated 480 pepperoni and cheese sticks,” he said.

“I’d say we pulled it off,” he said to his audience online. “Thank you so much for all the help and support.”

READ MORE: From smoke to devastation: 23 minutes in Lytton

READ MORE: Here’s how you can help victims of the devastating Lytton wildfire

READ MORE: Kamloops homes evacuated twice in one night due to lightning-sparked wildfire



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