Red Cross says $11M donated to wildfire relief

CTV National News: Refuge from the flames Peter Akman reports from an evacuation centre that is helping Fort McMurray residents forced to run from their homes.

The Red Cross says Canadians have donated $11 million to help the tens of thousands of people evacuated from Fort McMurray, Alta.

“This is a very large disaster for the Canadian Red Cross to respond to,” Chiran Livera, the Red Cross’ deputy director of disaster management, told CTV News Channel on Thursday. “It’s very tragic seeing the photos and the images on TV and what we’re hearing from our personnel on the ground is that people are in need and they need support.”

The federal government and the Alberta government have both announced they will match all donations to the Red Cross to assist those displaced by the wildfires.

Livera said that, in addition to food, water and other basic needs, the Red Cross is also providing “emotional support” to those affected by the fire.

“This is a very trying situation, not knowing what’s coming up next and when they can go home,” he said. “We’re committed to staying there for the long term and making sure people have a safe home to return to in the weeks and months to come.”

The organization also has a family reunification service for people separated from their loved ones during the evacuation process. The service can be accessed by calling 1-888-350-6070.

The Red Cross says the best way to help is by donating money that it will help fund its work with other aid agencies and various levels of government to provide much-needed support to those in affected areas.

Canadians can donate by texting the word “RED CROSS” to the number 30333. Larger donations can be made on the Red Cross website or by calling the organization at 1-800-418-1111.

There has also been an outpouring of support online, for those affected by the wildfires.

The hashtags #FortMacStrong and #AlbertaStrong are being used on social media to show support for the northern Alberta communities devastated by wildfires.

Members of the Alberta rock band Nickelback, for example, implored their fans to help if possible.

Evacuation centres throughout the province saw donations come in by the truckload.

Facebook groups are helping Albertans connect with evacuees looking for assistance or a place to stay, offering up space at trailer parks, basement apartment suites, vehicles, new clothing and free pet food to evacuees.

Dozens of restaurants are also offering free meals to evacuees.

Local companies and organizations are also raising funds to go towards wildfire relief.

Shell Canada has announced it is opening a work camp in Albian Village to evacuees from Fort McMurray and will also provide flights to evacuees who are looking to make their way to Edmonton and Calgary.

"Our people live in this community and we are doing everything we can to support our employees, contractors, friends, and neighbours during this difficult time," Shell Canada President and Country Chair, Michael Crothers said in a statement.

There’s even a Fort Mac Fire – Pet Rescue Facebook page to help pet owners reconnect with pets left behind during the evacuation, by giving users a place to post photos of their pets, their home's location and contact information.

Meanwhile, Blackpaws Pet Resort and Boarding Kennel in Sturgeon County has taken in 28 pets from evacuees.

Owner Susanne Trachmann told CTV News Channel on Thursday that the dogs and cats put in her care have been physically healthy, but quite stressed. She said she plans on looking after them for "as long as needed."

The Flames Foundation announced on Wednesday it will donate $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Fort McMurray.

"Like all Albertans, we are very moved by the devastation caused by the fires in Fort McMurray and are joining so many Albertans and Canadians in supporting relief efforts,” Ken King, President and CEO, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, clothing company Alberta Strong has announced its donating up to $10 of every sale to the wildfire aid in Fort McMurray for the month of May. The company has already raised nearly $4,000.