A number of community groups in Kamloops have offered free services and supports for students and families affected by the fire at Parkcrest Elementary.
The president of the Kamloops Art Gallery says it has filled up its day program today with students from Parkcrest Elementary.
Margaret Chrumka says they had room for 20 students but have actually taken in 22 – and she says the decision to offer a free program today was made quickly last night.
“Total Kamloops situation (last night), I was out walking my dog with my daughter at Kenna Cartwright Park as the sun was setting, and I didn’t bring my phone. And I get back home and I see texts from my team saying ‘can we pull this together? Is it okay?’ And I just replied, yes, yes, like, yes. Whatever we can do, yes, we’re in,” Chrumka says.
“A lot of us here have children in elementary school so it hit home very quickly. It’s really devastating for our community, and I’m happy that we’re able to make this one small option available for parents.”
Chrumka says the program will continue all of next week as well for Parkcrest students, and she says there may still be some space available.
Meanwhile the Big Little Science Centre in Brock is offering free activities for Parkcrest students today.
Executive director Gord Stewart says students need to be with an adult, and he says that offer may extend into next week.
“There may be some different things happening with the (school) district, so we’ll have to see how next week pans out. But at this point, we’re offering it for today and we’ll let people know early for next week if that comes up,” Stewart says. “We’re just happy to offer help wherever we can. Really our thoughts are going out with all those kids and parents and teacher who are affected by this. It’s kind of a big shock and tragedy for everybody.”
The City of Kamloops is also offering free recreation and wellness at the Tournament Capital Centre for students and parents of Parkcrest, as well as free admission at the Westsyde Pool today.
The Boys and Girls of Clubs of Kamloops will also be running free programs next week for students affected, and Eats Amore, at 2nd and Seymour, is also offering free meal to Parkcrest families between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
In support of those affected by the Parkcrest Elementary Fire we will be offering FREE full day camps, 8:30 to 3:00, for all grades starting tomorrow. We have space for 20 students. Email our School Programs Coordinator Finn Modder at fmodder@kag.bc.ca to register.
— Kamloops Art Gallery (@ArtsInKamloops) September 6, 2019
If anyone affected by the #ParkcrestElementary fire is taking the day off of work to be with their kids, we are more than happy to offer you and the kiddos free meals to help get through this difficult time. 11:30-2:30 on 2nd & Seymour. #community #kamunity #Kamloops #foodtruck
— Eats Amore (@EatsAmore) September 6, 2019