As tens of thousands of evacuees fled Fort McMurray, numerous private companies and municipalities are pitching in to hep with the huge wildfire and its aftermath. Here’s how people are helping out:
Northlands has set up a reception centre at the Expo Centre for evacuees. There is space for up to 1,300 people and Edmonton’s Emergency Support Response Team, Red Cross and medical staff are at hand to help evacuees, who will have access to cots, washrooms, food and beverages. The SPCA is also at hand to help evacuees with pets.
The Canadian Red Cross is taking donations from individuals and organizations here. People can call the Red Cross at 1-888-350-6070 for family reunification.
The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is coordinating donation efforts in Edmonton and is specifically requesting donations of diapers, baby wipes, new toiletries such as soap and shampoo and new socks an underwear. Items should not be taken to the Expo Centre, but to the Emergency Relief Services warehouse, downtown at 10255 104th St. The not-for-profit is also looking for volunteers. To register, call 780-428-4422.
Any Fort McMurray residents in Edmonton with a flat tire or tire issues can head to the Fountain Tire at 8550 Yellowhead Trail for free repairs.
The Bank of Montreal has instituted a relief program to assist customers affected by the wildfire, which includes various options on deferral of personal loan payments and personal mortgage loan principal and interest payments.
Edmonton’s Food Bank is providing food resources to evacuees. Donations of food may be left at any major grocery store or fire hall. Monetary donations to the Fort McMurray Dire Evacuee support can be made online here.
The supporters of Alberta Animal Rescues has set up a list of rescues and kennels who have stepped up to help those with pets affected by the fire in Fort McMurray. Evacuees who had to leave a pet behind in Fort McMurray can call the SPCA at 780-743-700.
An open-source Facebook page has been set up to help evacuees with information and resources. People have been using the page to assist evacuees with any items and shelter they might be able to offer.