Fort McMurray fire: How Islanders can help

The images from Fort McMurray are heartbreaking. People have been forced to leave their homes behind — many not knowing what will still be standing when an evacuation order is lifted.

People around the country are looking for ways to help, including here in P.E.I.

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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians looking to help should reach out to friends and family who have been affected, or donate to the Red Cross.

The Canadian Red Cross in Prince Edward Island tweeted a link through which Islanders can donate.

Red Cross donations can also be made by calling 1-800-418-1111, or you can text the word REDCROSS to 30333 to donate money to help those displaced by the fire. 

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan said all P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission stores will also be collecting donations for the Red Cross.

"Prince Edward Island is a caring, generous province," he said in a statement. "My office has already received calls from Islanders wanting to know how they can help, from donations of Air Miles to financial contributions. I encourage Islanders wanting to offer assistance to contact the local Red Cross office."

Province's emergency services 'prepared to assist'

MacLauchlan said he's reached out to his counterpart in Alberta, Rachel Notley to offer the province's support.

"We are prepared to assist in any way that we can," he said. "Our Emergency Measures Organization is also prepared to assist and has reached out as part of a national network of EMOs."

He said for now, Alberta is focusing on controlling the fire — and officials will reach out to other jurisdictions for help when they need it.

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