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How to help Saskatchewan’s wildfire evacuees

Jul 2, 2015 | 10:25 AM

Saskatchewan is known for taking care of its own, so when evacuees came to Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon  from northern Saskatchewan where wildfires are burning, people wanted to know how to help.

The Salvation Army will take donations of summer items. Tents have been set up outside the evacuation centres in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina where evacuees can get the items they require.

Donations can be taken to the Salvation Army’s thrift stores in those communities. Items such as shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits would be welcomed.

In Prince Albert, that location is 900 Central Avenue, and it’s operating Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed Sunday.

 

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Thrift Store Seeking Summer Clothes for Fire EvacueesDue to the Northern Saskatchewan forest fire situation and…

Posted by The Salvation Army Prairie Division (SK, MB & NW Ontario) on Tuesday, 30 June 2015

In-kind donations, such as food, clothing and other items, are not being accepted at the Red Cross’s evacuation centres. This is true in all areas, including Prince Albert.

“Although we understand that people really want to help, we encourage you not to do that. We just do not have the space,” said Cindy Fuchs, director with the Red Cross.

The Red Cross does rely on organizations like the Salvation Army to provide the specific items they’re in need of.

However, other organizations and groups are collecting donations. This includes Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC).

In a new release, the PAGC identifies the Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre in Prince Albert as its Emergency Command Centre. 

It’s currently seeking donations of diapers, blankets, deoderant, shampoo, and summer clothing at that location.

Also, despite a Facebook post being shared stating otherwise, the Red Cross says they don’t have an immediate need for untrained volunteers. It is relying on volunteers already trained in disaster response to work at the evacuation centres.

Anyone interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer can do so, but it takes time as there is a process in place. More information can be found here.

However, staff within Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR) report the Red Cross is looking to their staff and volunteer base to help.

Those who have gone through a criminal background check to become a volunteer with PAPHR or within the school division are able to sign up as volunteers and help out in Prince Albert, said Doug Dahl, communication officer with PAPHR.

Additionally, social work students, early childhood (ECE) students, and nursing students who have already been vetted can come by the Red Cross building between noon and 7 p.m. to be deployed, Dahl said, refering to a request he’d received earlier in the week from the Red Cross.

For untrained residents, Fuchs says the best thing you can do is simply welcome evacuees into your community.

The message is being echoed by the provincial government. Karri Kempf, the social services manager of information and emergency services said if the ministry needs volunteers or donations they will put out a call.  

“We’re not actively soliciting donations at this time to help with this wildfire response,” said Cindy Fuchs, director with the Red Cross.

This is because the Red Cross is providing the six shelters up and running to help evacuees on behalf of Saskatchewan’s government.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

 

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We are currently providing support to 3,136 people impacted by several forest fires in northern Saskatchewan on behalf…

Posted by Canadian Red Cross on Tuesday, 30 June 2015

 

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With summer heightening the chances of forest fires, be prepared by knowing what to do before, during and after a forest fire in your area. /Kathryn

Posted by Canadian Red Cross on Monday, 29 June 2015