Community & Current Events
Fort McMurray wildfire: How Canadians can help
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Community & Current Events
Fort McMurray wildfire: How Canadians can help
The wildfire that began on Sunday May 1st in Fort McMurray, Alberta has forced 88,000 people to be evacuated from their homes. The raging fire is at least 10,000 hectares in area and has destroyed more than 1,600 structures. Evacuees are seeking shelter at oil camps, evacuation centres, or volunteers' private homes. Here are a few different ways that you can help and show your support to the individuals affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire.
The Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations from the public to support the 88,000 evacuees. These donations will primarily help cover immediate food supplies and shelter costs for evacuees. After that, the funding received will help with community rebuilding. You can make a donation by clicking this link, calling 1-800-418-1111 or texting REDCROSS to 30333 which makes a $5 donation.
The Alberta government and federal governments have stated that they will match the private donations made to the Canadian Red Cross.
You can also call the Red Cross at any time for family reunification: 1-888-350-6070.
Texting donations
You can donate $10 to the Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal by texting FIRES to 45678.
You can text the word REDCROSS to 45678 and a $10 donation will be made to help the people in Fort McMurray.
The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services
The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is coordinating donations. Specifically requested items include diapers, baby wipes and new toiletries such as soap, shampoo, socks and underwear.
If you are in Edmonton, you can take your donations to the Emergency Relief Services warehouse downtown at 10255 104th Street. You can also sign up to volunteer here by calling 1-780-428-4422.
If you are outside of Edmonton, visit the crowdsourced Facebook page that has been put together to connect Fort McMurray residents needing items with volunteers providing them. Here, you can find out where to ship any items you would like to donate.
Edmonton's Food Bank
Edmonton's Food Bank is providing food resources to evacuees. Food donations can be left at major grocery stores or fire halls in Edmonton.
Airbnb, YMMFire.ca
To help provide shelter to evacuees, Airbnb has activated their Disaster Response Tool, which waives all fees so that hosts with available residences can post their listings for free.
YMMFire.ca also aims to connect people in need of somewhere to stay with people who are able to open their homes or properties to evacuees.
Alberta Strong Clothing Company
With a goal of reaching $5,000, Alberta Strong, a company that provides Alberta-themed clothing, will provide a donation of up to $10 per item sold to the Fort McMurray fire relief.
GoFundMe
Individuals in Fort McMurray are reaching out on GoFundMe, a personal fundraising website, for individual support.
Remember to always be aware of scams and fraudulent donation sites when making donations to personal fundraisers.
Stay updated:
Follow Twitter updates @YourAlberta
Facebook updates facebook.com/youralberta.ca
The Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations from the public to support the 88,000 evacuees. These donations will primarily help cover immediate food supplies and shelter costs for evacuees. After that, the funding received will help with community rebuilding. You can make a donation by clicking this link, calling 1-800-418-1111 or texting REDCROSS to 30333 which makes a $5 donation.
The Alberta government and federal governments have stated that they will match the private donations made to the Canadian Red Cross.
You can also call the Red Cross at any time for family reunification: 1-888-350-6070.
Texting donations
You can donate $10 to the Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal by texting FIRES to 45678.
You can text the word REDCROSS to 45678 and a $10 donation will be made to help the people in Fort McMurray.
The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services
The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is coordinating donations. Specifically requested items include diapers, baby wipes and new toiletries such as soap, shampoo, socks and underwear.
If you are in Edmonton, you can take your donations to the Emergency Relief Services warehouse downtown at 10255 104th Street. You can also sign up to volunteer here by calling 1-780-428-4422.
If you are outside of Edmonton, visit the crowdsourced Facebook page that has been put together to connect Fort McMurray residents needing items with volunteers providing them. Here, you can find out where to ship any items you would like to donate.
Edmonton's Food Bank
Edmonton's Food Bank is providing food resources to evacuees. Food donations can be left at major grocery stores or fire halls in Edmonton.
Airbnb, YMMFire.ca
To help provide shelter to evacuees, Airbnb has activated their Disaster Response Tool, which waives all fees so that hosts with available residences can post their listings for free.
YMMFire.ca also aims to connect people in need of somewhere to stay with people who are able to open their homes or properties to evacuees.
Alberta Strong Clothing Company
With a goal of reaching $5,000, Alberta Strong, a company that provides Alberta-themed clothing, will provide a donation of up to $10 per item sold to the Fort McMurray fire relief.
GoFundMe
Individuals in Fort McMurray are reaching out on GoFundMe, a personal fundraising website, for individual support.
Remember to always be aware of scams and fraudulent donation sites when making donations to personal fundraisers.
Stay updated:
Follow Twitter updates @YourAlberta
Facebook updates facebook.com/youralberta.ca
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