Red Cross – three-quarters of $323M raised for Fort McMurray spent or committed
FORT MCMURRAY – The Canadian Red Cross says three-quarters of the $323 million raised since a massive wildfire struck Fort McMurray has been spent or committed.
The fire, nicknamed “the beast” because it was so fierce and unpredictable, forced 88,000 to flee the northeastern Alberta city and destroyed about 10 per cent of its structures.
A Red Cross news release outlined the financial breakdown as follows:
— $231 million allocated; ($183 million spent and committed to date) to support individuals and families.
— Nearly 65,000 families registered to receive support from the Red Cross.
— More than 126,400 electronic fund transfers provided direct financial assistance to help residents pay for things like rent, mortgage, utilities, household goods, food, gas and clothing.
— More than 19,000 one-on-one confidential appointments have helped assist people through their personal recovery process.