CANADA Day in Bramshott and Liphook will be particularly poignant this year because of the forest fires which have devastated parts of that country.
Mindful of the historic links between our community and Canada over more than 100 years and two world wars, East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) councillors and Bramshott and Liphook parish councillors have launched an appeal to help those most affected by the disaster.
EHDC Liphook councillor Bill Mouland said: "At one point, the entire 88,000 population in and around Fort McMurray, Alberta, had to be evacuated as the flames threatened to engulf them.
Although some families have been able to return, homes and possessions have been destroyed and the Canadian Red Cross is leading the campaign for funds to help."
Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau has promised to match donations made to the Red Cross.
It is hoped to make a generous donation to Colonel Rory Radford, the representative of the Canadian High Commission, who will be guest of honour at the annual Canada Day commemoration on June 29 hosted by Liphook Junior School.
Those who wish to make donations by cash or cheque can do so via the parish office in Midhurst Road. Cheques should be made out to Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council. The council will bank the money and hand it over as a lump sum on Canada Day.
Alternatively cheques can be made out to Canadian Red Cross.
For more information on the fires and the appeal go to: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fort-mcmurray-federal-response-red-cross-1.3567828 or email Cllr Bill Mouland on [email protected]