Youth start GoFundMe campaign to fix pier in White Rock

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help rebuild the historic White Rock pier.

The campaign is spearheaded by the White Rock Youth Ambassadors and aims to raise $1 million toward repairs.

“Our Mayor Darryl Walker has already vowed to restore our beloved pier. However, as youth ambassadors of our beautiful city by the sea, we are also eager to contribute to the city’s restoration commitment,” read a statement posted to the campaign’s website.

“The desire to help preserve and enhance the heart of our home has led to this fundraiser.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had raised $1,200.

“We are touched that people are looking at ways to support the city as we look at rebuilding the pier,” said Farnaz Farroukhi, spokeswoman for the City of White Rock.

Farroukhi said there had not been any formal discussions yet about plans for the funds raised by the WRYA’s campaign, but to quell fears about the fundraiser’s legitimacy, she confirmed the city is aware of the campaign.

The pier was severely damaged on Dec. 20 during a windstorm that slammed the B.C. south coast.

Some 30 metres of the nearly 500-metre-long pier was washed away due to waves and from being hit by at least three boats that had become unmoored. One individual was rescued by helicopter after becoming trapped at the far end of the broken pier.

Walker has said it would likely cost millions of dollars to repair the pier, but that the city had reached out to the federal and provincial governments to seek financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the GoFundMe campaign would cover the cost of things not paid for by government funding such as lights, archways, benches and memorial plaques.

“As a group of youth, we have sought and are continuing to seek advice and counsel of the community leaders, getting practical information to protect your donations and ensure these contributions will enhance the new pier,” read the WRYA’s statement.

The White Rock Youth Ambassadors is a volunteer program that recruits local teens for six-month apprenticeships who work alongside community groups to serve around the community and to promote White Rock.