Generous Canadians Donate Over $785,000 For Salvation Army Fire Response

Fort McMurray fire response
by Alberta
Categories: Uncategorized
Share:

    The past few weeks have been a stressful time for so many people affected by the Fort McMurray fire evacuation. We wanted to let you know the latest on our response, and our current fundraising total to date.

    This week, the Edmonton and Fort McMurray Salvation Army Community Response Units (CRUs) are stationed at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Fort McMurray with five Emergency & Disaster Services trained volunteers serving food, water, and snacks to first responders, and also providing emotional and spiritual care. The air quality is understandably very poor, and our volunteers are equipped with breathing masks to cope.

    The EOC personnel there have expressed their gratitude for our presence and service. Seeing a friendly smiling face and having someone to talk to makes a difference in stressful situations like this, and we are prepared to continue as long as we are needed. Recently, one EOC member told us that, “Yesterday I came in for a sandwich, today I came to talk.”

    As we all watch the news broadcasts, we know that the situation in Fort McMurray continues to be unstable as first responders deal with shifts in wind direction, flare-ups, and extremely poor air quality. As there is currently no timeline for re-entry, it is important that we all continue to be there for, and support the evacuees and first responders as the fight continues.

    Monetary donations can be made online at www.SalvationArmy.ca/albertafires, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or by texting FORTMAC to 45678 ($10 donation). Thrift Stores in Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton are also accepting donations of gently used clothing, furniture, and household items to replenish stock given to evacuees.

    To date, your generosity has raised over $785,000 in donations, and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed. There is a lot to do still, especially once families are allowed back home, and these donations will help rebuild lives. Thank you for standing with us, and for helping us Give Hope Today.