EDMONTON – The City of Fort Saskatchewan has been one of a legion of communities around Alberta helping victims of the Fort McMurray wildfires.
The city’s Legion has been serving as a pit stop for evacuees, providing essentials like toiletries, food, water, and even connecting them with medical assistance.
“We’ve really tried to make sure it’s as least overwhelming as possible. They come in, everything is organized. They know what they’re looking for and they can get it,” coordinator Janeene Bateman said.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire: As Edmonton prepares for another influx of evacuees, here’s how you can help
Coordinators said the Legion isn’t an evacuation centre, rather a temporary stop for wildfire victims as they make their way to Edmonton and other communities.
“The waits are long at the Expo from what we hear, so at least here they can take a break. Come in, kids can get toys, whatever they need. Get some water, get some food,” coordinator Tawnie Misik said.
The items have been donated by Fort Saskatchewan residents, businesses and other local groups.
“We’ve had truckload after truckload of goods being donated, businesses have stepped up, and it’s been amazing to watch,” Fort Saskatchewan Councillor Arjun Randhwa said.
“We’ve had so many businesses, community people coming in, the Chamber of Commerce has stepped up to the plate,” Misik said.
“We’ve had tons of donations, we have a lot of gift cards coming in that we’ll be able to hand out to families for those needy items that we don’t have here.”
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READ MORE: Where Fort McMurray fire evacuees can get help and information
The Legion had about 850 people stop in for assistance as of Friday night.
Randhwa said the entire community of Fort Saskatchewan has been stepping up to help wildfire victims.
“We as local hotel owners offered some free rooms and accommodations. We had restaurants offering free food, and right away we had residents that thought, ‘you know, we as a community, we can come together united and really stand strong.'”
Misik said the support by Fort Saskatchewan residents has been overwhelming.
“It’s more than we ever thought. We just thought it would be a small of a few people, and it is extraordinary.”
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