Evacuees sort through clothing and other items at a relief centre in Lac La Biche, Alberta. They will soon get cash thanks to an unprecedented amount of donations from fellow Canadians.

Evacuees sort through clothing and other items at a relief centre in Lac La Biche, Alberta. They will soon get cash thanks to an unprecedented amount of donations from fellow Canadians.
Photo Credit: Rachel La Corte/AP Photo

Immediate cash relief for fire evacuees

Canadians have donated an unprecedented $67 million to the Red Cross so far for victims of the Fort McMurray wildfires. More than 80,000 citizens of that western city had to evacuate and it is not clear when they will be able to return.

Each adult will receive $600 and $300 will be allocated for each child, announced the premier of the province and the Canadian Red Cross. This will be the biggest cash transfer ever for the agency and the fastest. Money will be dispensed by electronic transfer within 24 to 48 hours to those registered with the Red Cross and there will be pre-loaded debit cards for others.

Firefighters are cautiously optimistic they may have got the upper hand against the fire at Fort McMurray.
Firefighters are cautiously optimistic they may have got the upper hand against the fire at Fort McMurray. © Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta

Donations still coming in

The premier asked that those who are able to, wait to claim the money so that evacuees with the most urgent need can get it first. She added assurances that there is enough for every evacuee. The total allocated for this is $50 million.

Individual, businesses and groups continue to make donations and the governments of Alberta and Canada have promised to match some of those. The Canadian Red Cross says it will work with local charitable organizations to provide relief once people are allowed to return.

Gas, water, electricity must be restored

The fire burned through 2,300 sq. km. but appears to have moved south of Fort McMurray to less developed areas. In the city itself, about 10 per cent of the buildings were gobbled up by the flames. While their homes may be still standing, citizens have to wait until gas, water, electricity and other infrastructure are restored before they can return.

Categories: Society
Tags: , , , ,

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.