In November, massive wildfires ripped through Northern and Southern California, stealing lives, displacing people and completely uprooting hundreds of thousands of residents. With our corporate headquarters so close to the devastation, we were personally witnessing the destruction these wildfires were bestowing upon so many people. After receiving an influx of inquiries from our members across the nation looking to help, we knew that something had to be done.
The first step was to identify a nonprofit – The Oroville Hope Center – which had boots on the ground supporting thousands of displaced victims. When we asked how our company could help, The Hope Center shared a list of needed items, with gift cards and financial support being at the top of the list.
In order to allow our members across the country the opportunity to be involved in supporting The Hope Center and the victims of the Camp Fire in Butte County, we set up a GoFundMe page. Within days, we had nearly reached our goal, allowing The Hope Center to purchase gift cards to local grocery stores, gas stations and convenience marts for families who have lost everything.
In addition to raising funds for The Hope Center’s relief efforts, it was important for our team to visit the nonprofit and support however else we could. The following members of the NextHome and Realty World Northern CA franchise network made a trip to Oroville to deliver the $20,000 raised and volunteer time to assist victims continuing to rebuild their lives:
- James Dwiggins, CEO, NextHome and Realty World Northern CA & NV
- Imran Poladi, Vice President, NextHome and Realty World Northern CA & NV
- Melia Campbell, Broker/Owner, NextHome Campbell Realty, Marysville, CA
- Cory Gold, Broker/Owner, NextHome Cornerstone Real Estate, Davis, CA
- Mark Wisterman, Broker/Owner, Realty World – Best Realty, Oroville, CA
- Casey Smyth, Broker/Owner, NextHome North Valley Realty, Chico, CA
- Kelli Smyth, Agent, NextHome North Valley Realty, Chico, CA
- Jacob Darr, Broker/Owner, NextHome North Valley Realty, Chico, CA
Although the team was overwhelmed by appreciation from The Oroville Hope Center staff, it was evident that the work to rebuild has just begun. This $20,000 has allowed the organization to supply hundreds of gift cards to families during this incredibly trying time. But in order to keep supporting this community, it is going to require so much more time, money and resources.
Please consider visiting our GoFundMe page to donate additional funds to support families who need us more than ever: https://www.gofundme.com/nexthome-helping-camp-fire