Firefighters have been holding back the flames in Fort McMurray, but the blaze could last for months. With tens of thousands of people affected, Burnaby residents may be wondering how to help. Here are the best ways to stretch your donation dollars.
- The Red Cross is the primary group helping fire victims. The best way to help is to donate money so the Red Cross can spend it on what people need most. The Red Cross is helping with emergency food, clothing, shelter, personal services and basic necessities.Don’t bother donating used clothes or furniture. The cost of storing and shipping can be expensive, and the Red Cross would prefer money instead. While it’s a generous gesture, the transporting and storing costs are expensive and they may not be the items people actually need right now. To donate, visit www.redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111 or drop by local Red Cross office at 3400 Lake City Way, or 7355 Canada Way. They accept cash, credit or cheques. To send a $10 donation over the phone, text “FIRES” to 45678, or send a $5 donation by texting REDCROSS to 30333. Burnaby locations: 3400 Lake City Way, 7355 Canada Way #105. The federal government will match individual donations to the Red Cross to help in Fort McMurray, and so will the Alberta provincial government, so a $1-donation means $3 for the Red Cross. SUCCESS is partnering with the Red Cross to collect donation to help fire-relief efforts. To make a donation in person – in cheque or cash – go to SUCCESS’s Burnaby office at Unit 200, 5172 Kingsway.
- The Salvation Army is serving 2,000 daily meals to first responders in Fort McMurray and passing out water, food and hygiene kits while providing emotional and spiritual help. Meanwhile, Salvation Army thrift stores are passing out clothes to the fire victims. To donate, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or to make a $10 donation, text FORTMAC to 45678.
- Glacier Media, the company that owns the Burnaby NOW, has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to help the fire victims. Glacier donated $50,000 to jumpstart the campaign, and readers are encouraged to donate, as well. All of the money goes to the Red Cross, which, again, will be tripled when the Alberta and federal governments match funds.
Fast facts on the Fort McMurray fires
- The fire started May 1 and it could last for months
- Two people have died, due to a traffic accident during the evacuation
- 80,000 residents from Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas were evacuated
- There are 25 wildfires burning
- 229,000 hectares are ablaze
- More than 1,500 firefighters are battling the flames across Alberta
- An estimated 1,600 homes have been destroyed
