Langley volunteers deliver nearly $15,000 in donations to wildfire-affected families

A social-media appeal during this summer’s wildfires prompted Langley residents and the Ron Cares Society to send donated supplies to affected communities in the Okanagan. On Aug. 8, Joel Patan and his family were forced from their home, which was later destroyed by fire. Patan, owner of Patan Heating and Air, opened his Penticton business as a free store for families who had lost everything and appealed for necessities including clothing, diapers, baby supplies, toys, books, toiletries, blankets and other everyday items.

Ron Cares Society board member Leanne Cassap passed the appeal to founder and executive director Ron Bergen. The society, which prepares tailored care kits for seniors, people living on the streets, families and newcomers, worked with funding partners to respond to the Okanagan fire victims. Bergen said supporters, board members and volunteers came together quickly to secure products and arrange transportation from the Lower Mainland.

Working with SPARC BC and Soap for Hope Canada, the society assembled 27 complete three-part family care kits containing bedding, hygiene, wellness and food-security products, as well as $100 food gift cards. The kits were valued at more than $12,150, with an additional $2,700 in food gift cards, for a combined contribution of about $14,850.

On Aug. 30, volunteers loaded the kits into a pickup truck. Volunteer driver Fraser Holland delivered them from the Lower Mainland to the Okanagan with support from Langley Community Services Society. The shipment arrived early Monday and was received by Doug Patan, Joel’s father and a Summerland city councillor. Doug and his wife, Julie, were staying with Joel when the fire approached and had only minutes to leave. According to an update from Patan Heating and Air, the donations will support 27 families.

Ron Cares Society will hold its second annual Harvest Time Gathering fundraiser on Oct. 8 at Adrian's at the Airport. Proceeds will be used to buy products for care kits. Tickets are available at zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-harvest-time-gathering, and more information is available at www.roncares.ca. The society began in 2022 as Bergen’s project to assemble 100 personal grooming kits for seniors and people living on the streets at Christmas, and later grew into the Ron Cares Society.