This month, the province declared a State of Emergency in response to various wildfires across Alberta in which nearly 30,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
This has been a devasting time, but with helping hands from surrounding towns and cities, first responders and charitable organizations those who have been affected can get back on their feet safely – sooner rather than later.
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If you’re able and would like to donate or volunteer here are just a few ways to do so:
DONATE
CANADIAN RED CROSS
In an effort to provide vital emergency aid to people impacted by wildfires all over the province, The Canadian Red Cross has set up the Alberta Fires Appeal in which the Government of Alberta and Canada have agreed to triple every $1 donated.
Those who would like to give to the foundation are encouraged to do so either through their website, or by texting the word ROGERS to 20222.
Rogers will be matching $5 donations to the fund, which will be used for “immediate and ongoing relief, recovery and resilience efforts in response to fires, and community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.”
TELUS FRIENDLY FUTURE FOUNDATION
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Telus customers can also text DONATE to 31010 to give $20 to the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, in support of registered charities that provide wildfire relief across the province.
DISASTER AID CANADA
A collaboration with Rotary groups and various other organizations in multiple Alberta communities, Disaster Aid Canada is also taking donations for those affected by the Alberta Wildfires.
PARACHUTE FOR PETS
Supporting those who have been displaced with their four-legged companions, Parachute For Pets is also looking for donations in order to distribute food and supplies to families in need. To give, click the link above.
THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
If you’re an individual or a company hoping to donate goods or your services to support the government’s response efforts, you can email [email protected]
OTHER RESOURCES
Additionally, while officials work to get things under control, it will be important that you monitor exactly what is going on in and around the province.
To help Albertans with this, the government has created a Wildfires Dashboard in which you can see when, where and how severe each incident is in real-time.
Are you near an affected area? The government recommends that you prepare by doing the following:
First, download the Alberta Wildfire app and monitor the status and location of bans, restrictions and wildfires. They also advise those in affected areas to maintain an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, non-perishable foods, a battery-powered crank radio, a flashlight, extra batteries and a weather radio.
Store all documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information and insurance papers in a safe place in an above-ground location and keep a vehicle emergency kit, as well as an extra phone charger in your car, with a full tank of gas.
Evacuation reception centres have been identified in the following communities:
Big Lakes County (alert only)
- Elks Rodeo Hall, 74508 on Highway 749 north of the Town of High Prairie
Brazeau County and Drayton Valley
- Edmonton Expo Centre, Hall C, 7515 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Chipewan Lake
- Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca
County of Grande Prairie
- Bonnetts Energy Centre, 10017 99 Avenue, Grande Prairie
Calgary
- Mount Royal University Terrace Room, 4852 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary
- Hours:
- 8 am to 8 pm weekdays
- 9 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday
- Enter through the West Gate Entrance on Richardson Way SW
East Prairie Metis Settlement
- Elks Rodeo Hall, 74508 on Highway 749 north of the Town of High Prairie
Fox Creek, Little Smoky and surrounding areas
- Allan and Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Boulevard, Whitecourt
Fox Lake
- High Level Arena, 10101 105 Avenue, High Level
Fort Vermilion
- Fort Vermilion Community & Cultural Complex, 5001 44 Avenue, Fort Vermilion
Garden River
- Wentzel Campsite and High Level
MD of Greenview (included Hamlet of Little Smokey)
- Memorial Hall, 4808 50 Street, Valleyview
High Level
- High Level Arena, 10101 105 Avenue, High Level
Rainbow Lake
- High Level Arena, 10101 105 Avenue, High Level
Slave Lake
- Slave Lake Town Hall, 10 Main Street SW, Slave Lake
Swan Hills
- Barrhead Arena, 5607 47 Street, Barrhead
Valleyview
- Allan and Jean Millar Centre, 58 Sunset Boulevard, Whitecourt
Yellowhead County
- Holiday Inn, 4520 2 Avenue, Edson
As we continue to learn more, be kind and stay alert, Alberta. These are trying times, so please stay safe out there!
