Canada and Manitoba to match wildfire relief donations to Red Cross

Bert Linnick, a wildfire evacuee from Flin Flon, shares the emotions she’s experienced after being evacuated from her home.

The Canadian and Manitoba governments will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross to help wildfire evacuees in the province.

According to a news release sent Wednesday, for every $1 donated to the Red Cross’ Manitoba Wildfires campaign, the two levels of government will match it. The Manitoba government will match donations up to $15 million, while Ottawa will match up to $30 million.

“By matching donations to the Red Cross, we are encouraging the people of Canada to come together in support of those affected and to help communities recover and rebuild with strength and resilience,” said Eleanor Olszewski, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, in a news release.

Donations will be open for 30 days, retroactive to May 28.

The money will be used to help evacuees form the wildfire in Manitoba with financial and other assistance.

According to Monday’s wildfire bulletin, more than 14,000 people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross as evacuees due to Manitoba’s wildfires.

Donations can be made online.