Local Rotarians have put out the call to help residents of the fire-ravaged city of Fort McMurray in Alberta.
The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation – which includes Chilliwack clubs – has established the “Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund” to assist in the rebuilding of that city following the fire, said Julius Buski, president Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation.
According to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, the fire has already destroyed an estimated 1,600 homes so far.
"There's been fairly significant destruction of residences," Notley told reporters in Edmonton Wednesday morning.
The fire, which has grown to 75-square kilometres, has already swallowed three subdivisions in the northern Alberta city.
But while fires continue to burn, residents are already talking about rebuilding.
Local Rotarians have been part of that conversation. Working with Rotary clubs in Fort McMurray, they want to target funds where they are most needed.
“The Foundation will rely on an independent committee of Fort McMurray stakeholders (including the Rotary club and the municipality) for advice on disbursal of the funds,” said Buski. “The Charitable Foundation is now ready to accept donations, from Rotary members as well as members of the general public, for which tax receipts will be issued.”
Donations can be forwarded to: Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation, ℅ Rotary District 5370 Office, 16030 – 104 Ave.. NW, Edmonton AB., T5P 0S3 Annotate cheques “Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund”.
video from my sister in fort mac , stay safe stay safe :'( #ymm #ymmfire #FortMcMurray #FortMacStrong pic.twitter.com/8bHGXMVQ6e
â?? Dimas Andry (@Ceplow) May 4, 2016