(Canadian Red Cross website)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Every $1 becomes $3

Alberta and Canada match Canadian Red Cross donations to support Alberta wildfire response

May 11, 2023 | 5:46 PM

The Governments of Canada and Alberta have announced a coordinated donation matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support the disaster relief efforts in Alberta communities impacted by the devastating wildfires.

Both governments will each match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.

“The widespread impact of the wildfires in Alberta calls for such a federal-provincial partnership and demonstrates the shared commitment to support Albertans through these difficult times,” said the province in a release.

Officials say donated funds will be used for immediate and ongoing relief and recovery efforts in response to the wildfires.

They add the funds will support a range of emergency services the Canadian Red Cross may deliver to those in need and allow them to support local organizations helping impacted people and communities as they begin the long process of recovery. Other supports may include financial assistance for immediate unmet needs and other essential services not covered by federal or provincial programs.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

3h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

21h ago

The Governments of Canada and Alberta say they recognize the heroic work of first responders, volunteers, non-governmental organizations and emergency managers across all levels of governments and Indigenous communities in the response and recovery efforts in the province.

Those wishing to make a financial donation to the 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal can do so online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

The most up-to-date evacuation information is available at alberta.ca/emergency, Alberta Emergency Alert or by downloading the mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers. Albertans seeking information or supports can call 310-4455.

Anyone who has been evacuated due to wildfires is being asked to register at local reception centres or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency leads the coordination and cooperation of all organizations involved in emergencies and disasters in the province and oversees all emergency and disaster prevention, preparedness and responses.

The Federal Government Operations Centre supports preparedness for and leads the coordination of the integrated federal response to all-hazard events of national interest. Officials say through staff in the Alberta region, it is coordinating the federal response to the Alberta wildfires.

The Canadian Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world and stands ready to help people and communities before, during and after a disaster. The Red Cross was part of relief efforts and recovery in response to emergency events in Canada, including the 2017 and 2018 British Columbia wildfires and 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires.