Struggling B.C. flood victims claim Red Cross has cut financial supports
In a matter of moments, decades of memories and belongings were wiped out inside the home of Anastasia Schell.
She and her family were among the thousands of Sumas Prairie residents forced to evacuated their homes during last year's catastrophic floods.
“We lost 35 years together with my husband. Everything from family photos, videos, wedding photos,” Schell said.
Schell says she and her family were bounced around low-end hotels for months before the Red Cross stepped up with legitimate assistance.
She claims the organization said they would provide $1,300 per month for rent for half a year, and another $600 for basic needs.
"I remember sitting there crying because I was so overwhelmed that they were going to do that for us,”
That relief however, didn’t last long.
Schell says after around two months, the Red Cross pulled the plug on financial supports.
"I got a phone call from my caseworker, and he went through the information to verify everything. Then he said, 'Well just to let you know we're not helping anymore,'" Schell recalled.
"It's not fun, it's not easy, it's not fair," she said.
She says there are plenty of others out there going through the same thing.
One of those people is Mary Dyck, who says she was assured of having half of the rent paid for six months, but the support only lasted half of that time.
“It's happening to a lot of families, there's several of us that are in the same boat," Dyck said.
After media attention and inquiries on these claims, the Red Cross sent a statement to CTV News.
“The Red Cross has followed up to ensure people affected by the flooding understand and have access to the supports that are available," it read.
After she spoke to CTV News, Schell says the relief organization called her to apologize for what’s happened, and told they will call back Tuesday to work to restore funding for everyone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.