Like many Calgarians, we watch the news out of British Columbia and the Northwest Territories with sadness, fear, and heavy hearts. As we hear reports of individuals, families, pets and animals in the Yellowknife and B.C. communities who are forced to leave their homes because of the devastating wildfires, United Way of Calgary and Area is prepared to support the people affected.
We are working with our partners at Distress Centre Calgary, the City of Calgary, the Aboriginal Friendship Centre, and other agencies to ensure people coming to Calgary can access emergency response services like psychological first-aid, mental health support and basic needs as soon as they arrive.
Our President and CEO, Karen Young, is reassuring our neighbours that Calgarians are here to support them in their time of need.
“Our city is banding together to welcome these evacuees to our communities and help them through this tumultuous time. United Way of Calgary and Area is committed to working with the city and partner agencies to respond to this need and support our colleagues at United Way Northwest Territories and United Way British Columbia as they work through this difficult time.”
So many of us want to help. The reception centres are not set up to accept donations, but you can donate through these links to directly support the communities affected. If you or a loved one is struggling as these events unfold, you can contact 211 to access an entire community, social, health and government services network.
For more information:
211 NWT list of resources for those affected by the fires
211 BC wildfire resources for those affected by the fires
If you would like to help, visit:
Northwest Territories Response:
British Columbia Response: