Locals give back to help fire evacuees in B.C.
Residents of Fort McMurray understand what the displaced are going through
Some Albertans pitching in to help those affected by the B.C. forest fires understand their situation all too well.
Mireille Evans and her family are among some of the approximately 88,000 people forced to flee last year’s wildfires in Fort McMurray.
They settled in Calgary and were touched by the outpouring of support they received.
When the fires broke out in B.C., Evans wanted to find a way to give back, as she understands firsthand what it’s like to be displaced.
“This year with the fire bursting up, it seemed like Fort McMurray burning up all over again, just in a different area,” said Evans.
Evans was motivated to help after hearing of a group people from Fort McMurray who, at a moment’s notice, packed needed supplies and left to deliver them to the B.C. fire zones.
“Being here in Calgary, I thought that I would like to see something as well.”
The number of volunteers swelled within hours.
People from Okotoks, Airdrie, Strathmore, Langdon and all across Calgary stepped up to support the effort by setting up drop zones for donations.
“It just turned into such a huge group effort that was super tightknit. The communication has been incredible,” said Evans.
Evans and her husband loaded up a trailer last Thursday and took it to Ponoka, where the items were transferred to be sent to Kamloops. A group called the Postmen are working to distribute the items farther, to areas of need.
While larger organizations focus on bigger areas, the Postmen have stepped up with permits and escorts to bring essentials to people in remote communities cut off from supply lines.
“It’s unreal to see the efforts going in, the organization, the communication they have, it’s such a welloiled organization,” said Evans.
“It’s mind blowing to see how many people are sacrificing their time, their health even, because these people are going around the clock. This doesn’t stop at 5 p.m., it goes non-stop.”
The group is seeking donations and currently there is a need for Gatorade, juice, peanut butter and jam, rice, flour, cooking spices, potatoes, veggies and fruits, toilet paper, soap, shampoo and conditioner, as well as such non-perishable items as canned soup, canned meats and fish, and crackers. There is also a need for hygiene products.
Evans said there is no current need for toys, blankets or clothes, as they take up space at the distribution centre that is needed for food.
For more information on dropoff locations for donations, see the Calgary Helps YMM and now BC Facebook page at www.facebook. com/groups/219823148399188.