In light of the catastrophic wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alta. this week, people in Williams Lake are collecting much needed supplies for fire evacuees.
On Wednesday Cariboo Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. teamed up with Contain-it Mobile Storage, and Progressive Harvesting Ltd. to fill up a container for Fort McMurray where a 10,000 hectare wildfire has destroyed 1,600 structures and forced the evacuation of an estimated 80,000 people.
The McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department is collecting donations for the container as well and the Williams Lake and District Credit Union also said it would be accepting monetary donations.
Items needed by the Edmonton Emergency Relief Service include water, baby food, diapers, baby wipes, new toiletries (such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste), new socks, underwear, new pillows, and non-perishable food items that do not need to be heated up. Any animal food is also appreciated.
Sue and Paul Zacharias of United Concrete and Gravel Ltd., who lost a building to fire Monday, said they are donating $2,000 to the Red Cross on behalf of their four divisions.
BC Liquor Stores are also accepting donations to help Alberta wildfire relief efforts. Customers can donate $2, $5 or more to help the Red Cross in Alberta reunite family members, provide evacuees with shelter, food and water, and later, assist with longer-term needs as the community rebuilds.