In light of the Fort McMurray, Alta. wildfire which forced the emergency evacuation of 80,000 city residents and engulfed parts of the community this week, Terrace citizens and businesses are stepping up to help those affected by the tragedy.
The fire continues to rage on as evacuees seek refuge in neighbouring communities waiting to find out if their homes and businesses have survived the blaze.
Those who want to support the Fort McMurray fire victims can donate at various locations in Terrace and online.
On Saturday, May 7, Terrace Totem Ford will be holding a joint fundraiser for Fort McMurray and the Terrace Venturer Scouts. For every test drive, Ford of Canada will donate $20 to the scouts and will match the amount raised in a donation to the Canadian Red Cross. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Terrace Totem Ford.
The event was planned several weeks ago just for the scouts but the Fort McMurray donation initiative was added just yesterday.
Safeway is accepting cash donations to the Canadian Red Cross at its Terrace location and will match every dollar donated up to $100,000.
Save-On-Foods is collecting donations in cash or Save-On-More points at its location in Terrace to be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.
Shoppers Drug Mart will match donations of Shoppers Optimum points up to $25,000 which will go toward needed health and beauty products for the fire victims in coordination with the Canadian Red Cross.
The Real Canadian Wholesale Club, owned by Loblaw Companies which has donated $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in addition to offering essential supplies, is allowing customers to donate in-store.
The Salvation Army has deployed four teams to feed 800 first responders still engaged in fighting the Fort McMurray fire. They are accepting cash donations through their website.
People can also make donations directly to the Red Cross. through its website.
Also taking donations for the Red Cross are provincial government liquor stores.
The Canadian government is currently matching all donations made to the Canadian Red Cross.