Wildfires have been plaguing Australia and people in British Columbia which is also a wildfire-prone region, have taken notice. One of them is Kris Olson, the owner of the Wild Flour Cafe, who organized a taco night to raise funds for organizations dealing with the crisis in Australia.
“I felt like the folks in the North Thompson Valley, with its history of forest fires, could be sympathetic to the needs of Australia right now. Somehow it feels reminiscent of the past, and like a foreshadow of worse times to come,” said Olson.
She also explained why tacos - not normally associated with Australia - were chosen as the delicacy of the event.
“Vegemite doesn’t appeal to most folks I know, and exotic game like kangaroo didn’t seem appropriate. How else do you fill a room so quickly except with tacos?” she said. “Everyone loves tacos.”
Over 60 people proved that correct. The cafe took reservations for 5 and 7:30 p.m. seatings, which were booked within two days. Olson also said they had a sizeable waiting list. A dozen walk-ins also came later to the event, adding to the 50 reserved seats.
“We raised over $500. We plan on sending it to the program Vets without Borders Australian Bushfire Crisis.”
Olson said they planned to send the donations to the organization soon, however people are still coming in and asking to donate.
“They all really loved the food, the atmosphere and the feeling of helping out. Everyone was excited to be part of a great night in support of a great cause,” Olson said of some of the feedback that she received from attendees. The cafe owner also hinted that there might be another fundraiser in the near future.