FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Has Collected $13,270 for Richmond Fire Victims

Vancouver, B.C. – S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has collected $13,270 as of today since the trust account was set up for the Richmond fire victims on August 19, 2010. The organization continues to seek support from the community.

The fire broke out at the Heather Lee Apartment located at 8540 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, on August 7, and damaged all 36 units, leaving almost all tenants homeless.

In addition to the trust account, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has been collecting wish list items from tenants, assisting them with replacement of identification documents, coordinating fundraising events and reaching out to community members for donations.

On August 22, the fire victims gathered together for a meeting at Richmond Cultural Centre to discuss their situations as well as the distribution of the funds collected.

The majority of the tenants are low-income and new immigrants facing language, cultural and socioeconomic barriers, particularly at such the time of crisis.

"At S.U.C.C.E.S.S., we recognize the needs of the residents and are doing what we can to help them overcome the challenges they come across,” said Thomas Tam, Chief Operating Officer of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. “We urge the community to step forward and show their support."

The in-trust account number is 44-5223931, and the Trust Account name is: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in trust of Richmond Fire Victims 2010. Donations can be made at any TD Canada Trust branch.

In addition, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Service Centre, located at 220 - 7000 Minoru Blvd, is accepting donation items on behalf of the victims. Please call at 604 - 279 - 7180 for more information.

Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service providers in Canada with 25 offices in British Columbia and 4 overseas offices . For more details, please visit: http://www.success.bc.ca or follow us on twitter: SUCCESSCanada.

-30-

CONTACTS:

Shirley Leung
Director, Community Development and Liaison
Tel: 604-408-7261
Cell: 778-862-1298
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eileen Lao

Public Affairs Manager

Tel: 604- 408- 7243

Cell: 778-997-8283

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it