More than $60 million has been accumulated in support of people affected earlier this year by wildfires in the Fort McMurray, Alta., region.
The Alberta government announced Aug. 3 that it would contribute $30.3 million to match funds already donated by Albertans via the Canadian Red Cross to assist Fort McMurray residents and those in the surrounding municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Danielle Larivee, Alberta minister of municipal affairs and the minister in charge of the recovery task force following the disaster, said the funds show Canada’s ability to pull together in times of trouble.
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“The generosity of Albertans and Canadians during this crisis was overwhelming,” said Larivee in a news release. “Our government will continue to work closely with the Canadian Red Cross to ensure the donations of Albertans are used to make a real difference in the lives of the people of Wood Buffalo as they recover from this devastating wildfire.”
The funds will be channeled to several areas: community partnership grants; non-governmental and Indigenous organizations; relief for small business owners; and post-disaster supports, including funding for initiatives and research to promote the emotional and social health of those affected by the fire.
Melissa Blake, mayor of Wood Buffalo, added her thanks to donors in the news release announcing the matching funds.
“We are so overwhelmed and thankful for the outpouring of support that individual Canadians and organizations across this country have shown during this trying time,” said Blake.
“As we approach 90 days since we safely evacuated nearly 90,000 residents, we want to thank Canadians, the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross for their tremendous support. With their efforts, we continue to be safe, resilient and together.”
