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Alberta organizes centralized donation program for residents of Fort McMurray

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Alberta government centralizing Fort McMurray donations
WATCH ABOVE: Material donations for those impacted by the Fort McMurray wildfire will now all be handled by a single organization, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency. As Fletcher Kent reports, the province says now that the initial scramble to help is over, the targeted, long-term work is set to begin – Jun 14, 2016

EDMONTON – Alberta is organizing a centralized donation program for residents of fire-ravaged Fort McMurray. The province said it will avoid mistakes from the Slave Lake fire when new clothes ended up in the garbage dump.

Municipal Affairs Minister Danielle Larivee said if Fort McMurray receives more donations than needed, items will be redirected to other charities.

Larivee said the province is partnering with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency to co-ordinate donations.

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Items still being accepted include gently used furniture, food, bedding, baby food, bottles and formula.

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READ MORE: ‘You’re going to get through this,’ former mayor of Slave Lake tells Fort McMurray

There has been an outpouring of donations since last month’s fire, which destroyed one-tenth of the city and forced more than 80,000 people to flee.

A similar show of support followed a fire that destroyed parts of Slave Lake in 2011, but some donations, including new children’s clothing, were later found in a landfill.

Albertans who want to donate items for Fort McMurray residents can call 310-4455 for instructions.

People interested in volunteering at the Alberta Wildfire Donation Centre operated by ADRA in Edmonton must register online.

Donations can also be dropped off in person at the centre, 17306 – 129 Ave. NW, in Edmonton. For a list of the most-needed items, visit the Alberta government’s website.

Financial donations are still being accepted by the Canadian Red Cross.

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