Scotiabank and TD donate $400,000 in response to Tumbler Ridge shooting

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Two major Canadian banks have announced a combined $400,000 donation to support families and community organizations following the February 10th mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.

In a press release on February 12th, Scotiabank announced $150,000 will go toward organizations assisting families and communities affected by the deadly shooting.

Nine people, including the shooter, died in the incident at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a local residence, and 27 others were injured.

The BC RCMP have since identified the eight victims in a February 12th press release.

“We are devastated to see the news coming out of Tumbler Ridge, in my own home province of B.C.,” said Scott Thomson, Scotiabank’s president and chief executive. 

“Events like these are rare, especially in Canada, and it is heart-wrenching to think about the impact this will have on local community members and on all Canadians who are mourning alongside them. To our clients, employees, and everyone in B.C., our hearts are with you.”

In addition to the corporate donation, Scotiabank says it will establish an internal matching campaign for employees who wish to support the affected communities in B.C.

Meanwhile, TD announced a $250,000 donation to support community organizations providing localized assistance in the aftermath of the shooting. 

According to the press release on February 13th, the funding will focus on crisis support services, trauma response and mental health initiatives.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, to the survivors and [the] entire Peace River community,” said Julie Armour, senior vice president and Pacific region head of TD Bank Group. 

“In times of tragedy, access to the right support is critical. Through today’s donation, we aim to help organizations provide the care and resources the community needs to begin healing.”

TD says it will donate to several organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross through its Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Appeal, Foundry BC, South Peace Community Resources Society and Kids Help Phone.

In addition to its direct donations, TD says it will accept public contributions through its branches, EasyLine and EasyWeb platforms. Bank employees will also be able to donate internally to Kids Help Phone.

The announcements follow a similar commitment from CIBC, which pledged $100,000 to the CIBC Foundation British Columbia Emergency Relief Fund to aid local recovery and healing efforts in Tumbler Ridge.

Individual fundraisers have also been established to aid the victims’ families and cover the medical expenses of those who survived.

More coverage on the Tumbler Ridge shooting can be found here.