A group of Burnaby seniors have gone above and beyond to help those negatively impacted by the wildfires across B.C.
The Gaia Cares' Adult Day Program, located at the Grace Neighbourhood Centre (3895 Albert St.), raised nearly $5,000 for displaced residents after creating and selling 22 floral arrangements.
The bouquets brought in $2,400. The donations were matched by "an anonymous supporter," according to Gaia spokesperson Pauline Tong, for a grand total of $4,800 for wildfire relief.
That pushed the 11 participating seniors past their initial fundraising goal of $3,000 for the British Columbia Fires Appeal of the Canadian Red Cross.
And even more impressive, all the flowers were sold in a two-hour window the afternoon of Sept. 7.
In a statement to the NOW, Percy Wong, executive director of Gaia Cares, explained the entire idea and fundraiser took place in a span of 10 days and was amazed by the community's generosity.
"It is so affirming that despite their old age, they want to be part of the society, to help other Canadians," he said.
"As Canadians, we have to help each other, especially in such a crisis," added 83-year-old Mrs. Ma, who's regularly involved with the Gaia Cares program.
"As seniors, we do what we can."
Gaia Cares members hope this can inspire other Burnaby residents to contribute to the cause.
You can visit the British Columbia Fires Appeal page via the Canadian Red Cross for more information and to make a donation.
