City of Powell River councillors have taken up a challenge from the City of Nelson to donate $1,000 to the Red Cross for Ukraine.
At the March 17 city council meeting, councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said council received an email from Nelson mayor John Dooley, challenging BC local governments to donate to the Red Cross for the Ukraine crisis. Leishman said Dooley recorded a YouTube video, suggesting other councils across the province donate with a number they feel comfortable with.
Leishman moved that city council accept Dooley’s challenge and contribute a $1,000 donation to the Red Cross for the Ukraine humanitarian crisis campaign from its miscellaneous fund.
Councillor Rob Southcott asked if the contribution would be matched by the federal government.
Leishman said the federal government had put up to $30 million in matching funds for Red Cross contributions and that mark was hit on March 4.
“There were amazing contributions from the country, and they’ve already hit that, so this is just gravy,” said Leishman.
Mayor Dave Formosa said there are people of Ukrainian heritage in Canada who have travelled back to Europe, either going to Poland to help with refugees, or actually going into Ukraine to join the fighting, or helping with humanitarian aid.
“Good on all these people,” added Formosa.
Leishman said a fellow from Powell River is travelling to Poland and bringing some supplies.
“Good on him,” added Leishman.
Formosa said the individual may want to appeal to people to provide some funding.
Leishman said he put out a call for winter clothing because it’s cold in Ukraine right now.
“He actually got a bunch of stuff and I think he’s got more than he can take, so he’s now trying to figure out how to get it there,” she added.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway said council had never done anything like this before in her recollection. She wanted to confirm with staff that council could spend taxpayer money on a donation such as this.
“I’m not opposed at all but I just want to confirm it’s within our guidelines,” said Hathaway.
Chief administrative officer Russell Brewer said there is a certain amount in the budget under council miscellaneous for situations such as this.
“It has been used in the past for donations or the odd request that comes up,” said Brewer. “There is currently $10,000 budgeted for council miscellaneous.”
Council carried the motion to donate unanimously.
Earlier in the meeting, Leishman said the city is flying the Ukrainian flag in support of the struggle in Ukraine.
“The city will be flying that flag until it’s resolved,” said Leishman. “Hopefully, that’s not too far off. I’m very grateful to the city for that.”
