It just makes me sick’: B.C. Chief says fake GoFundMe pages taking advantage of wildfire victims – CTV News
July 20, 2023
The Chief of the ʔaq̓am Community, also known as St. Mary’s Indian Band, said at least two bogus GoFundMe pages have been set up since a fire destroyed homes and forced an evacuation of the community.
Joe Pierre Jr. appeared distraught as he updated the media, Wednesday afternoon.
“There are folks out there who are trying to take advantage of the situation,” he said.
The chief confirmed 95 per cent of the community has been evacuated due to the St. Mary’s River wildfire burning north of Cranbrook.
Seven multi-generational homes have been lost, he confirmed.
“It just makes me sick thinking about what folks are trying to do with the situation here,” he said.
The Chief is so upset by the fake pages that his band has decided not to use the crowdfunding platform.
