A collective effort: Saskatchewan helps Alberta neighbours in need
The people of Saskatchewan watched closely as wildfires threatened their neighbours in northern Alberta. It wasn't long before they found ways to help.
People across the province offered their support to Fort McMurray
CBC News ·
Water, dog food, diapers and canned food are among the donations for Fort McMurray evacuees. (CBC)
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The people of Saskatchewan watched closely as wildfires threatened northern Alberta.
The flames have since moved away from the heart of Fort McMurray, but thousands of evacuees remain displaced and their lives have been disrupted.
Here are some of the ways locals have tried to help their neighbours:
Graduation Dress Donations
Fort McMurray grade 12 students who were forced to leave are exempt from writing their diploma exams. However, Saskatchewan people wanted to ensure the students would have a proper send-off. People have gathered their old graduation dressesand are sending them off to northern Alberta.
A local woman has put a call out for men's suits, formal dress wear for moms and dads, hair pieces, and makeup. She said on May 29 students will gather at the Leduc Recreational Centre to browse and try on the donations. (Jenica Brown/Submitted to CBC)
Graham DeLaet pledges money
PGA golfer Graham DeLaet, from Weyburn, Sask., pledged to donate $500 to the Canadian Red Cross for every birdie made at the Wells Fargo Championship. He made 11, bringing the total to $5,500.
The school's guidance counsellor Barry Chalifoux experienced the Slave Lake, Alta., fire first hand and knew he and the kids could help encourage the people in Fort McMurray. (Barry Chalifoux/YouTube)
Comfort through quilts
Saskatchewan Quilters stitched together with strangers across the nation to send comfort west. A woman from Maidstone, Sask., co-ordinated the local efforts.
Each handmade quilt has been made with love. They'll vary in size from small ones that can be used as pet beds, to queen-size ones. (Submitted by Sandra Fisher)
Saskatoon Spa donates profits
All in a day's work, a spa in Saskatoon donated profits to the Canadian Red Cross. Every MC College Salon and Spa in Canada took part in the fundraiser.
It's not the first time MC College has traded a new set of nails for natural disaster relief efforts. (CBC)
QCM pledges donations
The Queen City Marathon leapt on board when they pledged to donate $5 from every registration that took place from May 7 - 13.
U of S offers dorm room
The University of Saskatchewan opened up a dorm to provide a safe space to a family of four that fled Fort McMurray.
"I know the Fort McMurray community — it's strong, it's resilient, it's vibrant and I'm sure we'll come back from this stronger than before. And we're all hopeful for the future so we're trying our best," said Abdurrahmann Murad. (CBC)
Material donations aside, Sask. residents shared their knowledge they had gained from last year's volatile fire season on this side of the border.
Saskatchewan residents shared wisdom gained from their experiences last year. This photo shows fire on the edges of Lac La Ronge, in northern Saskatchewan. (Kandis Riese/Facebook)
Local clothing company tentree announced proceeds from their Wildfire Capsule, released in the aftermath of the 2015 Saskatchewan forest fires, will go to the victims of the Fort McMurray fire.
Local company tentree has said they will donate a portion of proceeds from the Wildfire Capsule to Fort McMurray victims. (Submitted by tentree)
What are you doing?
How has your neighbourhood raised money for Fort McMurray? From bottle drives to bake sales, from concerts to clothing, we want to hear what your community has been up to.
