The Red Cross says Canadians have donated $11 million to help the tens of thousands of people evacuated from Fort McMurray, Alta.
鈥淭his is a very large disaster for the Canadian Red Cross to respond to,鈥 Chiran Livera, the Red Cross鈥 deputy director of disaster management, told 麻豆影视 Channel on Thursday. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very tragic seeing the photos and the images on TV and what we鈥檙e hearing from our personnel on the ground is that people are in need and they need support.鈥
The federal government and the Alberta government have both announced they will to the Red Cross to assist those displaced by the wildfires.
Livera said that, in addition to food, water and other basic needs, the Red Cross is also providing 鈥渆motional support鈥 to those affected by the fire.
鈥淭his is a very trying situation, not knowing what鈥檚 coming up next and when they can go home,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to staying there for the long term and making sure people have a safe home to return to in the weeks and months to come.鈥
Thanks to generous Canadians, we have already raised $11 million for relief. You can continue to support:
鈥 Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada)
The organization also has a family reunification service for people separated from their loved ones during the evacuation process. The service can be accessed by calling 1-888-350-6070.
The Red Cross says the best way to help is by donating money that it will help fund its work with other aid agencies and various levels of government to provide much-needed support to those in affected areas.
Canadians can donate by texting the word 鈥淩ED CROSS鈥 to the number 30333. Larger donations can be made on the Red Cross or by calling the organization at 1-800-418-1111.
There has also been an outpouring of support online, for those affected by the wildfires.
The hashtags #FortMacStrong and #AlbertaStrong are being used on social media to show support for the northern Alberta communities devastated by wildfires.
Members of the Alberta rock band Nickelback, for example, implored their fans to help if possible.
Our hearts are heavy with the events in Fort Mac. Today, we are all . Please help if you can
鈥 Nickelback (@Nickelback)
Evacuation centres throughout the province saw donations come in by the truckload.
Amazing ! Donations coming in by the ton for evacuees
鈥 Peter Akman (@PeterAkmanCTV)
More and more and more donations. They are needed
鈥 Peter Akman (@PeterAkmanCTV)
are helping Albertans connect with evacuees looking for assistance or a place to stay, at trailer parks, basement apartment suites, vehicles, new clothing and free pet food to evacuees.
Dozens of restaurants are also to evacuees.
Local companies and organizations are also raising funds to go towards wildfire relief.
Shell Canada it is opening a work camp in Albian Village to evacuees from Fort McMurray and will also provide flights to evacuees who are looking to make their way to Edmonton and Calgary.
"Our people live in this community and we are doing everything we can to support our employees, contractors, friends, and neighbours during this difficult time," Shell Canada President and Country Chair, Michael Crothers said in a statement.
There鈥檚 even a Facebook page to help pet owners reconnect with pets left behind during the evacuation, by giving users a place to post photos of their pets, their home's location and contact information.
Meanwhile, Blackpaws Pet Resort and Boarding Kennel in Sturgeon County has taken in 28 pets from evacuees.
Owner Susanne Trachmann told 麻豆影视 Channel on Thursday that the dogs and cats put in her care have been physically healthy, but quite stressed. She said she plans on looking after them for "as long as needed."
The Flames Foundation announced on Wednesday it will donate $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Fort McMurray.
"Like all Albertans, we are very moved by the devastation caused by the fires in Fort McMurray and are joining so many Albertans and Canadians in supporting relief efforts,鈥 Ken King, President and CEO, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, clothing company has announced its donating up to $10 of every sale to the wildfire aid in Fort McMurray for the month of May. The company has already raised nearly $4,000.