On Tuesday, July 23, BC Lung Foundation received a generous contribution of $8000 to support their BREATHE workshops. The donation was a collaboration between Peace Hills Insurance and Interior Savings Insurance and will fund workshops in the Oliver region.
The BREATHE project is a community-based initiative that teaches participants how to protect themselves from wildfire smoke and extreme heat events through education and the hands-on experience of making a take-home DIY air cleaner. ‘BREATHE’ stands for ‘Building Resilience to Emerging Airborne Threats and Heat Events’, and is a project co-hosted by Simon Fraser University’s Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) and the BC Lung Foundation. BREATHE workshops are facilitated by BC Lung Foundation, Simon Fraser University students, and Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol and support community members, especially seniors and people with existing lung conditions to build resilience against wildfire smoke.
“The BREATHE project is making a real difference across BC by providing communities with practical strategies and tools to help keep people safe during wildfire season. It is because of supporters like Peace Hills and Interior Savings Insurance that this important work is made possible. We are grateful to continue to expand the impact of this project with the help of this funding” said Christopher Lam, President & CEO at BC Lung.
On Wednesday, July 24th, a BREATHE workshop took place at the Oliver Senior Centre, where participants had a chance to socialize and connect while learning about wildfire smoke and building DIY air cleaners. The BREATHE project is actively engaging with many regional and community partners to bring these workshops to vulnerable communities across the province.
“Supporting the BREATHE project reflects our deep commitment to the health and well-being of our communities. The project aligns perfectly with our mission by providing crucial education and resources to protect against the impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat events. We are proud to collaborate with Peace Hills Insurance to fund these workshops in the Oliver region. Together, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” said Kirsty Scriver, CEO, Interior Savings Insurance Services.
To learn more about the BREATHE project visit bclung.ca/diyaircleaners.
