How to help Saskatchewan's wildfire evacuees

Saskatchewan is known for taking care of its own, so when evacuees came to Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert 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 centre in Saskatoon where evacuees can get the items they require. Donations are also being accepted at the Salvation Army’s thrift stores in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

Items such as shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits are welcomed.

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, June 30, 2015

“That’s a fantastic way to support evacuees,” said Cindy Fuchs, director with the Red Cross.

The Red Cross is running six evacuation shelters in the province on behalf of the government. In-kind donations, such as food, clothing and other items, are not being accepted by the Red Cross.

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

“We’re not actively soliciting donations at this time to help with this wildfire response.”

Also, despite a Facebook post being shared stating otherwise, the Red Cross says they don’t have an immediate need for 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.

If you want to help, Fuchs says the best thing you can do is simply welcome evacuees into your community. Also, cash donations are accepted by the Red Cross year-round so the organization can provide support whenever disasters arise.

The message about welcoming evacuees 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.  

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Thrift Store Seeking Summer Clothes for Fire Evacuees

Due to the Northern Saskatchewan forest fire situation and… http://t.co/L8KHTbomuz

— SalvationArmyPrairie (@TSAPrairie) July 1, 2015

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, June 30, 2015

.@AdrianCheungCBC 1/2 thanks – but we aren't currently recruiting volunteers for this response as our volunteers are trained in

— Red Cross SK (@RedCrossSK) June 30, 2015

.@AdrianCheungCBC 2/2 disaster response before they are utilized. Those wanting to volunteer in the future can visit http://t.co/vHAJyNmNZI

— Red Cross SK (@RedCrossSK) June 30, 2015

Hey SK! Let’s make guests displaced by fires feel welcome in our communities. A smile goes a long way @RedCrossSK pic.twitter.com/Sseyc2llFu

— SaskPower (@SaskPower) June 30, 2015