#McKenzieStrong

The diversity of the McKenzie Valley community is one of the things that makes it so special. From families who have been in the valley for many generations to newcomers who fell in love with the beauty of the region and decided to make it their home, this riverside community attracts people from all backgrounds – and they all have a story to tell.

Following the tragic events of the Holiday Farm Fire in 2020, the McKenzie CDC has begun the work of collecting, archiving, and sharing some of those experiences. The #McKenzieStrong Diaries series is a listening project that highlights not only the trauma, but the endurance and resilience of residents, and the very personal attachments they feel to this special place.

Your #McKenzieStrong Stories

Donate to Help Communities on the McKenzie Recover!

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You can support the on-going relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts for the McKenzie Valley community by purchasing and proudly wearing some of the #McKenzieStrong clothing items available below – or visit the shop directly here. All proceeds will go directly into community initiatives so please give generously, it is much appreciated!

We Are #McKenzieStrong.

Rebuild Bigger & Better!

“Rebuilding bigger, better for the kids, giving them something to hold on to for good. Our timeframe for that is a year or two, hopefully, sooner, but there’s a lot of cleanup to be done and we’re not going to jump ahead and leave our neighbors behind. We don’t want to rebuild our house and see someone next door that still has their pile of ash.”
Tiffany Lemmerz
Blue River #McKenzieStrong

More Businesses Upriver

“I think in the process of rebuilding it would be nice to have a lot more small local businesses drawing more people up the river. I’d like to see more options for food and entertainment, we want to see more businesses up the river supporting each other, purchasing each other’s products to help grow those businesses and keep people working up there.”
Brian Jackson
Honey Paddle Farm
#McKenzieStrong

I See Opportunity

“I think the river community will rebuild and from what I see I think it’s going to rebuild stronger. It’s something that I’d love to be there to see and be a part of. I see a lot of opportunity right now. I see a space for people to not only rebuild but to improve and add on. I’d like to see people build back how they wanted Blue River to be but couldn’t before the fire.”
Sarah Slowick
Serendipity Coffee
#McKenzieStrong