FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, B.C.) December 12th, 2025 – In response to the declaration of a State of Local Emergency from flooding in the Fraser Valley, the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF), the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce (ACOC) and the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) have come together to re-activate the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund, which provided critical supports to community, businesses, and farmers through the devastating flood event of 2021.
ACF will serve as the donation hub, accepting donations, issuing tax receipts, and disbursing funds where resources are needed most.
“As our community's foundation, we know we can come together when we're called to action. We did it in 2021 and we can do it again," said Areni Kelleppan, Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Foundation. “We know just how generous, resilient, & caring Abbotsford is and know that with the re-activation of the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund, our community will step up for each other because that's what we do."
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, as the voice of business for the area plans to leverage its network and stakeholders in the business community to raise funds and advocate for supports.
"Flood events have far-reaching impacts on our farmers, businesses, and supply chains. The Chamber is committed to supporting those affected through the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund, and encourages others to contribute," said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. "Our community lived through devastating floods in 2021 and the memory of that event, combined with the ongoing vulnerability of Canada’s most productive agricultural region, must be addressed with long term solutions.”
Founded by, and for, the community in 1974, UFV’s mission is engaging learners, transforming lives, and building community.
“At UFV, our strength comes from the relationships we build and the stories we share. This work highlights the many ways our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners are creating meaningful impact together,” said Susan Mide Kiss, Vice-President, Community Engagement, University of the Fraser Valley. "We are deeply appreciative of the dedication and care that went into bringing this forward.”
Donations to the Abbotsford Disaster Relief Fund can be made online at https://abbotsfordcf.org/disaster
In 2021, the ADRF raised over $4.4 million, showcasing what is possible when community, businesses, and farmers work together.
About the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF):
ACF serves Abbotsford by connecting donors with causes that matter to them. Together, we build, invest, and manage the gifts we have been given, for the long-term vitality of our community. We offer leadership and build bridges between the diverse groups that give our community life.
About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce (ACOC):
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce represents the needs of Abbotsford’s businesses and empowers economic development across the Fraser Valley region. For over 110 years, the Abbotsford Chamber has been the voice of business, working on behalf of nearly 800 members, investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and young professionals, breaking down barriers to business development and trade, advocating for investments and policies to help businesses succeed, and building community and connections.
The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
About the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV):
Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year. UFV has campuses and locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope, and a growing presence in Chandigarh, India.
We offer more than 100 programs, including three master’s degrees, 21 bachelor’s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs.
For media inquiries:
Stacy Kirpichova
UFV Acting Director, Communications
stacy.kirpichova@ufv.ca
Taylor Carlson
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, PR & Marketing Coordinator