SASKATOON – Fort McMurray, Alta. may be hundreds of kilometers away, but that isn’t stopping Saskatoon firefighters from doing what they can to help support relief efforts.
“We want to show our support for the people of Fort McMurray and not only the people of Fort McMurray, but also the firefighters who stayed behind to try and save the city there,” said barbecue organizer and firefighter Mark LePage.
READ MORE: Global News thanks people of Fort McMurray for sharing stories with grace and courage
City firefighters organized a barbecue at Lawson Heights Mall to raise awareness for the Red Cross and the International Association of Fire Fighters (AIFF), which provides essential supplies and food to firefighters who have lost their homes.
“The last number we have is 25 firefighters lost their houses as well, so we want to help all of the people who live in the city by donating to the Red Cross, but we also want to support the firefighters there as well,” said LePage.
Fort McMurray firefighter Aaron Harper was at the barbecue and recalls the day the fire started.
“The phone call came in saying we need you to come in,” said Harper.
“They got us out there and sure enough we just went into the fire and just started tackling where we were needed.”
“It’s hard to describe. That day was just kind of a blur for me.”
He’s still working seven-day shifts flying in and out to Fort McMurray while staying with family in Warman.
“The forest fire is still raging east of the city, but I think the threat is minimal the last time I heard. A couple flare-ups here and there, but I’d like to say the worst is over,” said Harper.
Grade 12 student Elizabeth Granger found out about the fundraiser and says she felt compelled to help in any way she could.
“When there’s natural disasters going on far away you kind of feel helpless because you can drive there and help them out, so it feels good to be helping them,” said Granger.
But the barbecue wasn’t the only fundraiser at Lawson Heights. People were also encouraged to drop off new donation items with the goal of filling a school bus.
“That bus is very filled. It’s been non-stop all morning and we’ve had nothing but massive support,” said Hertz volunteer Michelle Senger.
The bus will leave Saskatoon Sunday morning and make its way to Edmonton.
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