URGENT UPDATE: The small community of Tumbler Ridge, Canada, is receiving an outpouring of support from around the globe following a devastating mass shooting. Local restaurant owner Wendy Trueit is at the center of this movement, providing free meals to first responders and families of the victims in the wake of this tragedy.
Just hours after the incident, Trueit, who co-owns Twisted Seasons Bistro, began her mission to feed those affected. “We’ve had people from the U.S., Connecticut, where they’ve had mass shootings, reach out, ‘What can we do to help?’” Trueit said. The response has been overwhelming, with contributions pouring in from across Canada and Europe, raising thousands of dollars for meals.
The community’s need is urgent, and Trueit estimates they have received donations from hundreds of supporters worldwide, all aimed at assisting healthcare workers, police officers, and grieving families. “I never planned to have people send me money to help feed the people; that caught me off guard,” she added.
In addition to Trueit’s efforts, residents are uniting in solidarity. Ted Ember, a Fort St. John local, made a two-hour drive to Tumbler Ridge, delivering bouquets of flowers on behalf of coworkers and friends. “Next thing you know, there are strangers buying flowers,” Ember recounted, highlighting the community’s compassion.
Fundraising efforts are also underway, with several GoFundMe pages established for the victims, collectively raising over $1 million. These initiatives symbolize the strength of community support during this dark time.
Trueit has committed to providing free meals for as long as the community needs them, including on the first day students and staff at Tumbler Ridge Secondary return to school. A school in Vancouver has even stepped forward to cover meal costs, with Northern Health coordinating efforts to ensure the initiative is sustainable. “We just accepted that challenge,” Trueit remarked.
The kindness shown by strangers has been a bright spot amidst sorrow. “It definitely makes you look at the positive in the world,” she said, emphasizing the impact of community and global support.
As Tumbler Ridge continues to heal, the collective efforts of individuals and organizations will play a crucial role in the recovery process. Authorities urge anyone wanting to help to consider contributing to the ongoing fundraising efforts or reaching out to local initiatives.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and the community’s resilience shines through.
