Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Red Cross Announces Record Breaking $299 million in Fundraising Support for Alberta Fire Relief

Aug 3, 2016 | 2:29 PM

Fort McMurray:  The Red Cross is calling it an unprecedented outpouring of support from Canadians across the country. On Wednesday morning, the humanitarian organization revealed updated numbers showing $299-Million has been raised to help the recovery from the Fort McMurray wildfire.

The break down shows more than a million Canadians donated $165-M, which was bumped up by $104-M in matching federal government funds and $30-M from the Alberta Government.

The Fort McMurray fire forced the evacuation of up to 90-thousand people fand destroyed 2400 homes and buildings.

In a released statement, Canadian Red Cross President and CEO Conrad Sauve noted, “We are grateful for the incredible kindness demonstrated by Canadians – friends and neighbours, community groups, governments and corporations – when it was needed most. This outpouring of support will help the people of Fort McMurray and its surrounding areas recover from the devastating Alberta wildfires and assist those affected for years to come.”

Information from the Red Cross shows the donations have helped the organization fund the evacuation and all the costs associated with transportation and accommodation.  Now, matching dollars from the federal and provincial governments, will be allocated by the Red Cross in the following ways:
 

#1  $196 Million to Assist Individuals and Families — (spent or allocated)

— Emergency shelter, registration, food, clothing, hygiene items, medical equipment, transportation, clean-up kits, and occupational items to help people return to work.  

— Financial housing assistance to help with rent or mortgage payments, as well as the replacement of furniture, appliances and household goods.

— Rebuilding of homes through collaboration with experts in the area of clean-up, repair and rehabilitation of homes.

— To date, the Red Cross has already spent or allocated $146 million for this area of focus, and this includes providing more than $84.4 million of direct cash assistance – in the form of bank deposits, cash cards, cheques or money orders.

#2  $59 Million for Community Initiatives — (spent or allocated)

— Assistance for community-based organizations and municipalities to help with urgent needs, or plan projects or events for recovery activities intended to rejuvenate the spirit and vibrancy of their communities. 

–$5.5 million in funding has already been provided through 12 community organization partnership agreements to assist with urgent needs or recovery efforts. This includes $2.4 million provided to food banks in Alberta.

— An advisory group of community leaders will be formed to help determine local needs and how Red Cross can best assist with recovery efforts.

#3 $30 Million to Support to Small Business — (spent or allocated)

— To date, $4.5 million provided for the Business Recovery Hotline and emergency financial assistance for small businesses.

— Assistance will also be provided for the business community to address recovery priorities. Additional details to be announced at a later date.

#4  $12 Million for Community Resiliency & Disaster Preparedness — (projected spending)

— Support for community resiliency and disaster preparedness aimed at replenishing services that help the affected communities and residents to help themselves and each other.  It will also support new projects that improve the preparedness of families and communities to face another disaster.

People in need of assistance as a result of the Alberta wildfires are encouraged to call the Red Cross at 1-888-553-5505 to make an appointment for a confidential assessment. Red Cross recovery assistance is based on need, not loss, for all evacuees who were permanent residents of the region at the time of the evacuation, regardless of where in Canada they may now reside.

It should be noted that Red Cross aid will not duplicate existing support available from municipal or provincial governments, or from insurance. Donations will be held in a separate trust fund to be used only for Alberta Fires relief and recovery efforts.

The Red Cross also points out that the cost of fundraising related to the emergency appeal will not exceed five per cent.