A Toronto family is grateful for the hospitality they received from a small community in British Columbia after being stranded while on vacation due to ongoing wildfires.
May Marcelo made a wholesome TikTok video of her and her family’s visit to Vancouver Island, which has garnered more than 45,000 views as of Friday afternoon.
Marcelo, her husband Varun and their one-year-old daughter Kaia went on a trip to B.C. nearly a week ago to see some relatives.
@gojikiwi #PortAlberni #Bcwildfire #cameronlakebc #cathedralgrove #wildfireportalberni #Hwy4 #EchoCentre #Stranded #PortAlberniCommunity #cameronlakefire ♬ Something Just Like This(DeepHouse Remix) – 吉阿乐Remix
On June 5, they were driving back to their accommodation in Vancouver after a day trip to Tofino, on Vancouver Island, when they noticed a lineup of vehicles in Port Alberni. Marcelo said the vehicles were waiting for Hwy. 4 to open, which is the only highway back to the ferry that travels to Vancouver.
“So we checked the news and that’s when we realized the wildfire had spread and [was] out of control and there [were] falling rocks and debris causing them to close the roads. We got scared and I was worried. Our plan was to catch the ferry at Nanaimo and head to Vancouver. We were not planning to stay overnight so we [had] nothing with us,” Marcelo said in an email statement to Now Toronto.
Marcelo said she and her family were ultimately stuck in the town with no supplies, and nowhere to stay as all the accommodations they could find were fully booked.
“Worst case was for us to park somewhere and sleep in the car,” she said.
The family ended up going to a nearby restaurant where a customer recommended they check out the Echo Aquatic Centre and Fitness Studio for help.
Marcelo and her family took a chance and drove to the centre, and were glad they did.
In her TikTok video, Marcelo said the family was greeted with open arms and given everything needed to have a comfortable stay.
“We had a very pleasant experience at the centre, people are very helpful and super nice.They asked if we [needed] any medicines, formula and people offered me a crib and baby stuffs,” she said.
“They are very accommodating and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Everyone is willing to help, it’s a tight knit community made out of volunteers,” Marcelo added.
Marcelo and her family stayed at the centre for one night and decided to take a risk and drive to the ferry using a rocky logging road. After a long drive, the family made it back to Vancouver safely.
Marcelo shared she is forever thankful for the help of the Port Alberni community.
“We feel thankful and blessed to meet generous and kind hearted people who are willing to help complete strangers.”
