We are the best version of ourselves during disasters. It never ceases to amaze me how people come together and find the generosity and kindness towards others that we don’t see every day when a disaster strikes. Take, for example, the current wildfire in Fort McMurray, Canada. Almost 90,000 people were evacuated from the town. As their lives are uprooted and they are left wondering what will happen to their homes others began reaching out. A read an article that listed some of the acts of kindness that have been directed at these people.
Acts ranged from a tribute video created by middle school children to musicians raising money for the displaced townspeople and a beer company donating 200,000 cans of water that they bottled at their facility. No matter how intense the disagreements between us, it always gives me hope to see people come together like this when it is important. Our need to help others transcends the negative emotions that separate us such as greed, fear, and anger.
If you would like to join in the effort to help those affected by this disaster, try the following:
(This list was appeared in a post on Macleans.ca written by Zane Schwartz. Links and text below were taken directly from the article.)
DONATE MONEY:
If you want to donate to the Red Cross, you can give any amount through this link: Alberta Fires Appeal.Alternately, you can donate $5 by texting REDCROSS to 30333 or donate $10 by texting FIRES to 45678. Be careful: There are some scammers posing as the Red Cross asking for money on social media. Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government is matching all donations made to the Red Cross for the Fort McMurray Wildfires.
If you want to donate to the Salvation Army, you can give any amount through this link: Alberta Fire Response.
If you want to donate to Save the Children, you can give any amount through this link: Fort McMurray Emergency Wildfire.
OFFER ACCOMMODATION:
If you need a place to stay, or are looking to take in some evacuees, check out these Facebook groups: Fort McMurray Evacuee Open Source Help Page, Fort Mcmurray evac relocation help group.
Airbnb has waived all service fees for those affected by the fire, and there are already over 140 places listed on the site for free.
Those able to house displaced people can also sign up at ymmfire.ca
HELP PETS
The Calgary Humane Society is taking donations, you can give here: Fundraiser in Support of Fort McMurray.
The Edmonton Humane Society is also taking donations, you can give here: Fort McMurray Wildfire Donation form.
Those looking to house people’s pets, help unify lost pets with owners, and generally assist with animal rescue should check out this Facebook page: Fort McMurray Fire Emergency Animal Assistance
DONATE FOOD AND ITEMS:
If you want to donate items such as blankets or clothes, check out this Facebook group: Fort Mac Fire Donations. Make sure you’re only giving things people actually need. People often donate things after adisaster that aren’t needed, and sometimes actually get in the way of vital supplies.
Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is collecting new shoes, towels, socks, underwear, diapers, baby wipes, and toiletries. Drop off items at: Hangar 2: 3631 – 56 Ave East, Edmonton International Airport.
Edmonton’s Food Bank is collecting donations. Food can be dropped off at any major grocery store or fire hall.
VOLUNTEER:
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is inviting volunteers to sign up here.
Edmonton Emergency Relief Services is looking for volunteers (must be 16 or older) at a number of locations throughout Edmonton. Volunteers are particularly needed at the airport, as that location is running 24-7. Follow their Facebook page: Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society, for the latest updates.
Those interested in volunteering with the Red Cross can sign up here.
The post People Join Together to Help During Fort McMurray Disaster appeared first on Suspended Coffees.