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Canada’s federal government says it will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal.
The Government of Saskatchewan, meanwhile, is providing $15 million to the Red Cross “to work with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency to support wildfire evacuees.”
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Donations will be matched for 30 days, retroactive to the start of the appeal on May 30. The provincial government said the funds raised by the Red Cross will be used to assist residents impacted by the wildfires raging in Saskatchewan, including the many people who have been forced to leave their homes.
“Thousands of Saskatchewanians have been displaced as wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province,” the Government of Saskatchewan said in a statement.
“In response, the Canadian Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to provide emergency accommodations, personal services and critical information to people who have been forced from their homes.”
Eleanor Olszewski, the federal minister of emergency management and community resilience, said Ottawa is committed to working with the provincial government, Indigenous leaders and the Red Cross to help those affected by the fires.
“By matching donations to the Red Cross, we are encouraging the people of Canada to come together in support of those affected and to help communities recover and rebuild with strength and resilience,” Olszewski said in a statement.
“Saskatchewan people are known for coming together in times of need,” added Premier Scott Moe.
“This fundraising initiative to support those impacted by the wildfires reflects the generosity shown in our province and throughout the country. We thank the Canadian Red Cross for their fundraising efforts and for providing support for evacuees as we continue to fight these wildfires.”
Buckley Belanger, Canada’s secretary of state for rural development and MP for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, said the wildfires have been devastating.
“From the beginning, the Canadian Red Cross has been providing crucial support to affected people on the ground,” Belanger said.
“Now, your federal government is partnering with the Red Cross and the province to match every donation they receive, so that we can make sure we get more help to those that need it most. As always, we stand ready to respond to any further requests for assistance, now and in the days ahead.”
Donations can be made through the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
According to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, there are currently 23 wildfires burning around the province, including eight that are considered uncontained. So far this year, Saskatchewan has seen 242 wildfires, well ahead of the five-year average of 135. Evacuation orders have been issued in 18 communities around the province.
The agency is set to deliver an update on the wildfire situation in the province at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. 650 CKOM and 980 CJME will carry the update live.
