Filipinos Open Homes to Families Displaced in Evacuation due to Fort McMurray Wildfire

Filipino Communities are giving a helping hand for those evacuees of the Fort McMurray Wildfire. Filipinos open their homes as their temporary shelter.  Our own “Bayanihan” System can be a very helpful concept in these times of calamity. Here are some screenshots from The Filipino-Canadian Association Fort McMurray, Alberta. Check their FCAFM facebook page for more details.

 

 

Furthermore, if you want to help the 90,000 displaced residents brought by the wildfire, the government suggest following some guidelines. It is an unfortunate reality that scammers will take advantage of people’s generosity in the rise of every disaster. So, just a reminder, if you want your donation to have the maximum impact, try these recommendations:

1. Canadian Red Cross

• If you want to donate to the Red Cross, you can give any amount through this link: Alberta Fires Appeal
• If you want to donate $5, Text the word REDCROSS to 30333.
• If you want to donate $10, text word FIRES TO 45678.
• Those interested in volunteering with the Red Cross can  sign up here.

2. Airbnb

• If you are in the surrounding area and want to offer up your home for displaced Fort McMurray residents, Airbnb is coordinating free accommodation and waiving all service fees associated with short-term rentals. Click Airbnb link for details. 

3. Edmonton Emergency Relief Services (EERS)

• EERS are collecting diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, and other necessities. Donations are to be made at the ERS offices, downtown Edmonton. They will allocate the donations where they’re needed most.
• EERS is looking for volunteers (must be 16 or older) at a number of locations throughout Edmonton. Volunteers are particularly needed at the airport, as that location is running 24-7.
• Check their  Facebook Page on how to donate and how to volunteer.

4. Rogers

• Rogers is waiving the cost of calls and texts to Fort McMurray to better connect customers with loved ones affected.

5. Share some of these important Telephone Numbers

• Mental health support is available by calling Alberta’s 24-hour Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.
• AHS has health care teams at several evacuation/reception centres call Health Link Toll-free by dialing 811 or the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
• Albertans can stay up-to-date on wildfire-related information by calling 310-4455 in Alberta; 1-844-406-3276, and on the Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps.

6. Sharing and posting some Random Act of Kindness and Prayers for the victims and front liners of Fort McMurray on Social Media can also inspire them.

    

 

Read more Fort McMurray Stories here

Sources:

The Filipino-Canadian Association Fort McMurray, Alberta

Sunrise Facebook Page

macleans.ca

Government of Alberta