Donations for wildfire evacuees being collected

Donations are being accepted at the Island Lake Tribal Council office at 338 Broadway. (Source: Facebook/Melanie Ferris)

A number of organizations are accepting donations to help meet the needs of evacuees who were forced to suddenly flee their northern Manitoba homes this week.

While the Canadian Red Cross is not accepting donations for its part in the evacuation response, as its effort falls under an agreement it has with the federal government to provide relief, one of the groups accepting donations told CTV News it is working to fill in gaps for families in immediate need.

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

Located at 445 King St., Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centreis open Friday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to accept donations of clean, folded clothes that are labelled as women’s, men’s for children’s. It is also accepting underwear and hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, pads and tampons. It is not accepting shoe donations.

The centre is also hosting an all day event to raise donations on Monday, Sept. 4, featuring dinner and entertainment. More information can be found on Facebook.

Island Lake Tribal Council

Located at 338 Broadway, the Island Lake Tribal Council is accepting donations during office hours at its office on the fourth floor, and at its medical transport office on the first floor until 10 p.m. It’s requesting water, diapers for both adults and children, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, blankets, pillows, baby formula and other items.

Me-Dian Credit Union

An “Island Lake Relief Fund” has been set-up to help with short-term costs evacuees are incurring, and the Me-Dian Credit Union is also accepting donations of food, clothing, personal items and other items not covered by federal funding. Donations can be dropped off at the branch at 303 Selkirk Ave. in Winnipeg.

“Helping Manitoba Forest Fire Evacuees in Winnipeg & Brandon” on Facebook

A Facebook group to coordinate resources to meet the needs of evacuees has been formed. Organizers are looking for donations of everything from children’s toys to personal items.

Feed The Furbabies Canada

The group has partnered with a number of animal rescues, the Red Cross and Perimeter Aviation in an effort to feed animals that had to be left behind as communities were evacuated. It’s collecting pet food at Perimeter Aviation located at 626 Ferry Rd., as well as ice cream pails and smaller containers, plastic wrap and can openers, until Sept. 4. It will keep accepting donations after that date, a location has yet to-be-determined. More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page.