Federated Co-operatives Limited is donating $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of disaster assistance in Fort McMurray, Alta.
FCL and more than 200 independent retail co-op stores have committed $1 million toward long-term emergency relief efforts across Western Canada.
The money is part of a five-year commitment, which started in 2013 to quickly move goods across Western Canada during a local crisis. As well, another $100,000 per year will match donations made by local retail co-op stores.
The Red Cross in Fort McMurray is quickly scaling operations up to support registration, reunify families and provide accommodations, food, water and basic supplies.
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While FCL is serving evacuees by delivering more products, retailers are also finding ways to support evacuees in communities.
Examples include the local co-op in Plamondon, Alta., near Fort McMurray, which is now open 24 hours a day. The St. Paul Co-op has deployed its trailer to Lac La Biche. It can prepare food for large numbers of people and will be serving meals to evacuees.
Meanwhile, the Vanderhoof Co-op in British Columbia has provided fuel and supplies to volunteers driving to deliver emergency supplies in affected communities.
More information is at www.coopconnection.ca.
