August 16th, 2026
In our summer series, God’s Abundant Gifts, we have been practicing paying attention to the abundance that God provides for us and the whole of creation. We have studied scripture and by reflected on the wisdom in the book “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, to explore how abundance is shared in creation and the ways in which we are invited to participate in sharing and gifting which helps all to flourish.
On the weeks when there is not a group gathering, we share a resource here on the website, featuring different organizations which are participating in God’s gift economy.
This week we will take a look at some of the gift economies which have emerged as a response to the wildfires here in BC.
In Cap’s summer book group, as we have been reading The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer, one of the things we have talked about is how sharing of abundance and gift economies seem to rise up in times of great need. Unfortunately, during these past few weeks in BC, this pattern has been emerging right before us. With the ongoing wildfire emergencies in BC, there are great needs for families which have been displaced, people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, migrant workers who have been evacuated, and firefighters who are working tirelessly.
While there is an official wildfire relief response, below is a list of some of the additional organizations which have responded to the needs and filled in the gaps. As you read through the links, notice how gifting and sharing of abundance has emerged in the responses. People are sharing what they have, without expectation of direct compensation. People are opening up their homes, sharing their skills, giving money to strangers, as they come together to support one another during this time of disaster and heartbreak.
In the days since the Summerland fire, an online helpboard has been created. This mutual aid network is not the official emergency response, but rather is a volunteer organized community resource for connecting people. This grassroots mutual aid network is a place where individuals can post what they need, and organizations and individuals can post what they have to share. On this site, many people are offering accommodations, which is the need most people are requesting. While not everyone is able to offer accommodations, they are sharing out of the abundance which they do have. On this helpboard people are offering space to park RV’s, shelters for horses and livestock, as well as pet food and supplies. Some people are offering the use of their trucks, while others are providing laundry and shower facilities.
There is another online helpboard for people impacted by wildfires throughout the broader Okanagan region. This helpboard has many businesses which are gifting their services for evacuees, including free movie nights, free gym and rec centre drop-ins, free pool access at hotels, free workspace and wifi, free hair services, and free propane refills.
An organization which usually provides services for poverty relief, Mamas for Mamas, has pivoted to provide for all families in need. For those who are requesting help, there is a non-judgemental disclaimer about who can access their services. It reads, “No referral. No proof of income. You don’t have to explain how you got here.” Anyone who is in need can request groceries, baby essentials, clothing, hygiene supplies, and more.
Continuing on with a long history of providing help in times of need, here is a list of some of the religious organizations who have opened their doors (and kitchens) to provide for displaced people and firefighters.
While the circumstances which have led to the emergence of gift economies are tragic, we can still give thanks that people near and far are sharing their abundance in this time of need, helping to contribute to the mutual flourishing for all.