Fort McMurray fire: How to help or get help in Calgary
You can get help or offer aid to the evacuees through these agencies resources in Calgary
Many Calgarians are looking for ways to donate or pitch in to help those displaced by the Fort McMurray wildfires. Here's an up-to-date list of various agencies and resources.
The following list focuses on Calgary but if you are elsewhere in the province and need help or want to offer it, here's a comprehensive list:
Canadian Red Cross
Families evacuated from the fire can call with questions, to register with the agency, reconnect with family members and help response agencies mobilize resources. 1-888-350-6070
Canadians wishing to donate to relief efforts can do so at Alberta Fires Appeal online, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by contacting their local Red Cross office. Donations go towards food, clothing, shelter and other necessities.
You can also text REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation.
The Alberta and federal governments is matching donations made to the Red Cross.
Anyone concerned about possible fraudulent online donation pages can contact the Red Cross directly.
Calgary opens its doors
The City of Calgary has opened four evacuee housing centres in four post-secondary institutions, at the University of Calgary, SAIT, Ambrose University and Mount Royal University. On May 9, Calgary's emergency management chief warned wildfire evacuees not to come to Calgary if they had room somewhere else, as they might find themselves sleeping on cots in a gym.
YMMFire.ca
This site aims to help pair Albertans able to open their homes, rental properties, recreational properties and other available space to people in need of somewhere to stay.
YMMhelp.com
A site where you can offer assistance or ask for help by filling out one simple form. Your contact information will be added to a growing database that's available to the AEMA and the Canadian Red Cross.
Fort Mac recovers
This site is designed to facilitate community preparedness and recovery. Residents can request help, and others can sign up to donate and volunteer.
If you'd like to donate you'll be asked to list the type of donation you're able to give (toothbrushes, baby food, shelter, etc.) and enter contact information, and an organizer will contact you when your donation is needed.
Also, sign up to volunteer, and an organizer will be in touch when the clean-up and recovery efforts are needed.
Facebook support groups
(CBC cannot verify or endorse these groups)
Offer accommodations for evacuees in these groups:
Offer food, supplies or accommodation for pets:
Donate goods and supplies:
Organizations donating to cause
West Canadian is filling up a cube van with diapers, wipes, new socks, new underwear, new pillows and pillow cases, hygiene products and toiletries and bringing it to the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society on Saturday. Drop off your donations at 1601 Ninth Avenue S.E. before Friday night to take part, or call 403-245-2555 and email ftmacaid@westcanadian.com to help.
The Calgary Food Bank is preparing for the support Fort McMurray will need during this crisis. Calgary Food Bank is also providing an opportunity for you to donate to towards the Wood Buffalo Food Bank in Fort McMurray. The location in which you can donate items is at 5000 11th Street S.E.
The Calgary Humane Society is providing an overflow site to shelter animals affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires should the Edmonton Humane Society fill up. It is also collecting donations and gift cards to be given to registered animal welfare agencies impacted by the forest fires.
Inn from the Cold will provide support for families and individuals impacted by the Fort McMurray forest fires by providing accommodation for these families. The location is 110 11th Ave. S.E. Please contact to register at 403-263-8384.
Samaritan's Purse is preparing its team to provide support for Fort McMurray once evacuation alerts are lifted and it is safe to enter. This team of workers will help with the aftermath of the crisis by providing support for families and helping with the clean up.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada organization will provide help for the people of Fort McMurray by deploying a team of individuals to provide any emotional and spiritual support for those who were affected.
Fundraisers
All proceeds from the sales of t-shirts with the slogan "Fort Mac Will Fight Back" will go to the Alberta Red Cross.
May 15
Kingshead Pub: Calgary bands for Fort McMurray.
May 18
Rockin' 4 Fort McMurray at Broken City.
May 19
Atlantic Trap and Gill: $10 minimum donation goes to Fort McMurray.
South Trail Chrysler: accepting donations.
Tipperary's Pub: donating $.50 per pint to the Red Cross