Manitoba Métis Federation calling for more donations to help wildfire evacuees

The Manitoba Métis Federation needs donations to help wildfire evacuees arriving in Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is once again asking for donations to help wildfire evacuees in the province.

The MMF has set up its wildfire evacuation resource centre again after Manitoba declared its second state of emergency due to the ongoing wildfires.

“We are going through donations like hotcakes,” said Stephanie Meilleur, who is leading the evacuation response for the Red River Métis Community Resource Department.

Meilleur said the most needed items are hygiene-related such as shampoo, baby items and men’s clothing. She anticipates the need will grow.

“We know that there are another 700 people arriving today from the Garden Hill area, and there are several other communities that are looking to evacuate in the coming days,” she said. “I would say it’s higher demand than it was during our first wave.”

Cash donations are also being accepted online.

The resource centre is located at 406 McGregor Street. Wildfire evacuees can attend and pick up the items they need for free. There is also a children’s area where kids can do activities while their parents and guardians grab the items they need.

“Seeing the relief that we can supply to evacuees when they walk through these doors and be able to have a sense of dignity when they go through and grab their essentials and the items that they need, that’s the rewarding part of this,” Meilleur said.

Donations can be brought to the resource centre or at the MMF’s donation centre at 25 Ray Marius Road.