Fort McMurray Wildfires. Make a donation to the Red Cross

Re Fort McMurray Wildfires

I want to urge everyone reading this to consider making a donation to the Red Cross to help with the relief efforts in regards to the Fort McMurray Wildfires. Whether it be $500, or $5, it all adds up in the end and the small act of generosity will go a long way. I myself have made several donations over the past 24 hours.

Tens of thousands displaced by Fort McMurray Fire. Gov’t is matching all donations to: @redcrosscanada #ymmfire 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/WqqlYzqRVk

— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 7, 2016

I grew up in Fort McMurray, moving there at five years old directly from Chester, England. I lived there for nearly the first two decades of my life. Living first in Abasand, then Grayling Terrace, and finally in Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray was my home. It’s been difficult watching not only these areas, but also many others, fall victim to the fires over the past two days. So I, like everyone else, am just waiting to see how this ends.

What a lot of people from outside of the city don’t realise, is the astonishing sense of community up there.

I’ve lived in Los Angeles briefly, Vancouver, Calgary, and small-town eastern Alberta. I have never encountered such a tightly knit, inclusive community as Fort McMurray.

During my many years living there, I saw on countless occasions strangers banding together to help another in their community during a time of crisis – whether it be a death, a fire, an accident, etc. Additionally, on a larger scale, I know that year after year the city continually beats United Way expectations with fundraising in an effort to help those beyond the community.

Now it’s our turn. I’ve been watching the news nonstop for the past two days, watching my old neighbourhood and home burn to the ground. I’ve spoken with quite a few close friends who have lost everything except the clothes on their backs. I’ve heard a lot of people wishing they could help or do more, so I want to challenge everyone to donate. Texting REDCROSS to 30333 will automatically donate $5 (very simply charged to your phone bill) to aid in the wildfire disaster. If everyone who reads this can donate $5, that’s a significant donation right there.

Donate your coffee. Give $5.

I also think it goes without saying – but we need too anyway – how appreciative everyone is for the support already pouring in. From hotels and restaurants offering free accommodations and meals, to individuals and businesses trucking up fuel, water, and food to the evacuees who have yet to leave the city. As a former Fort McMurrayite (although it will always hold a special place for me), thank you.

Also of important note, the leadership being displayed by Mayor Melissa Blake, and Alberta premiere Rachel Notley. Great example of leadership and staying calm during times of crisis.