Recreation opportunities set up for northern Saskatchewan forest fire evacuees

More than 5,000 people from northern Saskatchewan are in evacuation centres this week due to forest fires.

As the evacuees wait for the smoke and flames to die down, many of them are trapped in unfamiliar communities without much to do.

However, different companies and agencies have stepped up to do their part when it comes to entertaining people.

In Regina, musician Shannon Ray plans to hold a song-writing workshop for evacuees at 6 p.m. CST today, and hold a performance after.

As well, Saskatoon Minor Football will be holding a flag football game at 3 p.m. CST at the Henk Ruys Soccer Centre.

Dana Henderson is from Montreal Lake and said she's bored after four days at an evacuation centre in Saskatoon. She loves playing football and was happy for the opportunity to play again.

"Over here is like flag football, over there they teach you some more intense footwork. It is pretty fun. I enjoy it," Henderson said. "I'm learning a lot, actually."

The Red Cross in Saskatoon said they had many activities planned for children, including trips to the spray park and playing volleyball and basketball.

Tomorrow, they plan to take a group of children to the Western Development Museum.

In Prince Albert, the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library will be hosting family movies at 2:30 and 6 p.m. CST, as well as 2:30 p.m. CST Friday. The Kinsmen Waterpark will be offering free admission to anyone with a Red Cross wrist band, and Prince Albert Grand Council Education will be showing family movies in their boardroom from 1-5 p.m. CST.

Yesterday, some evacuees walked over to Mosaic Stadium to watch the Riders practice. SaskTel brought in big screen TVs to the Regina Eventplex and others have dropped off board games to keep people occupied.