Edmonton organizations offering help for Alberta wildfire evacuees

A pair of Edmonton organizations announced Friday they are taking steps to help people impacted by wildfires in northern Alberta this spring.

In a Facebook post, the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society (EERSS) said it would be accepting donations this weekend.

The EERSS said it is look for people to donate new socks, new underwear, toiletries and baby essentials.

“We, unfortunately, due to resources limitation, cannot accept any other type of donations or used items at this time,” the organization said. “For any large donations, please contact the EERSS directly.”

The EERSS said it would also be accepting monetary donations. For more information on how to do that, people can contact the organization through its website.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) said Friday that it was working “to mobilize and prepare” for help that may be needed for animals impacted by wildfire evacuation orders.

“EHS will provide regular updates as to our role in supporting individuals and their companion animals, as well as animals displaced by the crisis,” the non-profit said in a news release. “EHS’ shelter will be accepting stray animals affected by the wildfires and providing needed supplies to individuals who are evacuating to Edmonton, as well as to rescue organizations who have identified a need and are mobilized in the affected areas.

READ MORE: 10,000 people forced out, 16 homes destroyed by Alberta wildfires

Watch below: Some videos from Global News’ coverage of the recent wildfires in northern Alberta.

5:18 10,000 people forced out, 15 homes destroyed by Alberta wildfires

• 10,000 people forced out, 15 homes destroyed by Alberta wildfires
• New photos shed light of toll wildfires are taking on northern Alberta
• Evacuation orders expand as northern Alberta wildfires grow
• Fire guard holds in High Level, re-entry steps considered
• Fire guard ‘handled very well’ as wildfire spreads away from High Level
• Optimism for High Level wildfire evacuees
• High Level wildfire hasn’t spread towards town, but extreme fire still exist: Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta wildfires Monday morning update: Trout Lake evacuation alert; High Level winds shift
• Out-of-control wildfire near High Level grows to 97,000 hectares
• Controlled burns helps keep Chuckegg Creek fire at bay near High Level
• Sprinklers and other wildfire mitigation tools used in High Level
• Efforts to protect homes, buildings from fire in High Level
• Alberta Wildfire commander Scott Elliot on ‘extreme’ High Level fire

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People who need help with their animals can call the EHS at 780.471.1774, its admissions desk at 780.491.3522, or its adoptions desk at 780.491.3500 for more information.

Anyone who wants to provide volunteer support for animals affected by the wildfires can contact EHS’ foster program here to inquire about opportunities for fostering animals.

The EHS said it was also accepting donations in the form of animal care supplies. They said the items needed most are pet food, bedding supplies, cat litter and carriers.

For more information on the EHS, click here.

The City of Edmonton is also ready to help evacuees if needed, a spokesperson said.

About 10,000 people in northern Alberta have been displaced because of the threat posed by wildfires this spring. It is not clear how many displaced residents have come to — or are planning to come to — Edmonton. The largest community to be evacuated was High Level, near which the Chuckegg Creek wildfire is burning and which had grown to about 237,000 hectares in size by Friday evening.