UPDATE: In the wake of a devastating mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a wave of global support has surged into the small Canadian community. Local restaurant owner Wendy Trueit has taken the initiative to provide free meals to first responders and grieving families, receiving overwhelming support from across Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
Just hours after the tragic event, Trueit, co-owner of Twisted Seasons Bistro, began offering complimentary meals to those affected. “We’ve had people from the U.S., Connecticut, where they’ve experienced mass shootings, reaching out to ask how they can help,” Trueit stated. “We told them they could pre-pay for food for our community, and that would work.”
The outpouring of generosity has been staggering. Trueit estimates that they have received over $1 million in donations, allowing them to feed healthcare workers, paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, as well as the families currently grieving their loved ones. “I never planned for this kind of support; it caught me off guard,” she admitted.
Residents from surrounding areas, including Fort St. John, have also stepped up. Local resident Ted Ember made a two-hour drive to deliver bouquets of flowers, initially planning to bring just a few from friends and coworkers. “Next thing you know, there are strangers buying flowers too,” Ember shared. “We just thought it would be a nice gesture to show Tumbler Ridge that people care.”
In addition to meals, numerous GoFundMe campaigns for the victims have collectively raised well over $1 million, further highlighting the community’s need for support. Trueit has vowed to continue her meal service for as long as necessary, including the first day students and staff return to Tumbler Ridge Secondary.
Support has also come from a school in Vancouver, which has offered to cover meal costs for those in need. Initially hesitant, Trueit accepted the offer after Northern Health stepped in to provide additional resources. “They said, ‘We can get a crew together, chefs, whatever you need,’” she explained.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the kindness from around the globe offers a glimmer of hope. “It definitely makes you look at the positive in the world,” Trueit reflected, as Tumbler Ridge continues to receive love and support from strangers near and far.
With these developments, Tumbler Ridge stands as a testament to the compassion and unity that can emerge even in the darkest of times. The community remains resilient, and support efforts are ongoing.
