Here’s how Revelstoke residents can provide Fort McMurray fire disaster relief

Massive wildfires have triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta history with more than 70,000 individuals displaced due to evacuation orders. People have been forced to leave their homes in more than 12 northern communities, including Fort McMurray.

Fort McMurray residents often enjoy the winter playground that Revelstoke offers with skiing and sledding and many Revelstoke residents want to know how they can help.

Janelle Jesson posted this image to Instagram and described the scene. “A picture I took outside of my uncle’s home in abasand before I ran to safety with gabe in his stroller to meet up with my nan and pop at Father Turc school downtown where my cousins got moved to from father beau, if I didn’t leave when I did me and gabe would have been worse off seeing how close it was.” Photo: janellejesson

The Canadian Red Cross is one of the charities leading the charge and the Revelstoke organization is asking for donations of money, not physical items.

Team leader for the Revelstoke Canadian Red Cross health equipment loan program Jackie Brosseuk said the Red Cross is focused on the first response, and drives for emergency supplies may be organized later by local residents.

“People are so generous with in-kind (physical) donations, but then you have the whole transport costs, and you don’t necessarily know what their needs are,” Brosseuk said “It’s so much easier to provide funds, so they can access it and immediately meet those needs.”

Already large corporations are donating to the appeal, including CIBC with $100,000. Revelstoke residents may wonder how their pocket change can help but Brosseuk said every bit counts.

“I think it’s been seen time and time again, even with the fires in Alberta years ago, it’s the small contributions from across the country, that can make all difference,” she said. “Corporate donations can only goes so far. And I think a huge part of the Canadian spirit is that in times of trouble, people want to contribute and support in that way, and I think that’s incredibly meaningful.”

Another view of the fire threatening Fort McMurray with multiple first responders at the scene. Photo: Janelle Jesson

The B.C. Wildfire Service has provided some equipment to the fire response in Fort McMurray, but personnel are also busy with wildfires in northeast B.C. There are seven larger wildfires burning in the Peace region.

The unseasonably warm weather felt this spring in Revelstoke has also been seen up north and dry conditions have created hazardous conditions in northeast B.C and northern Alberta.

Funds donated to the Canadian Red Cross will be distributed where needed and Brosseuk said the organization has thousands of personnel across Canada and a disaster management program specifically focused on responding to these emergencies.

“The structure is already in place,” she said. “It’s just a matter of pulling the trigger.”

Donate to the Alberta Fires Appeal here or call 1-800-418-1111. Donations can also be made in person at Revelstoke’s Canadian Red Cross at 1401 1 St West, (250) 814-0200, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m–2 p.m.

Cheques can be mailed to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “Alberta Fires Appeal” to Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.