In the south of the province, Albertans are sending their love to those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire, and are hoping to help in any way they can.
Bridge City Chrysler in Lethbridge, Alta. is filling a trailer with food, water and other donations that will head to the impacted area next week. They have also promised to match cash donations up to $10,000.
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“I don’t think many of us can’t say we don’t know somebody in Fort McMurray,” logistics manager Dallas Harty said. “It’s a big part of the province and the work force affects every community.”
Six-year-old Amelia Halliwell and her family were the first to donate cash and other items to fill the trailer.
“It’s because some people lost their homes,” Halliwell said.
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Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of the wildfire in Fort McMurray
Northside Lethbridge Dodge posted a photo on Facebook saying it would donate one dollar for every time it was shared. They met their $1,500 goal in two hours. They’ve also promised to match any donations that continue to come in.
“It’s friends, it’s family, it’s customers,” general manager Russell Gallant said. “It could be us next time. We could get flooding, it could be another fire… and we would expect this support from fellow Albertans to help us out.”
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Lethbridge Fire Chief Richard Hildebrand confirmed that three members of the Lethbridge Fire Department will be heading up to Northern Alberta to help in any way they can. Two of the members will be stationed in Fort McMurray; the other will be in Edmonton at the provincial operating centre (POC).
“Were sending three emergency management staff that will be leaving this afternoon,” Hildebrand said. “And have another number of firefighting and emergency social services staff if required.”
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