Recovery continues in Fort McMurray as Red Cross releases Alberta Fires One Year Report

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In early May 2016, a massive wildfire swept through Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas, having a devastating effect on the people and communities of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

The Alberta Fires One Year Report highlights how the Red Cross has spent and committed $244-million to date and shares the stories of residents who are rebuilding their lives, businesses and communities thanks to the generous support of Canadians from coast-to-coast.

The scope and scale of the wildfire was unlike anything the Canadian Red Cross had faced before. Evacuees spread across Alberta and the entire country to find shelter with friends and family.

Thanks to the generous support of individuals, community groups and companies across Canada, including matching funds from the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, the Red Cross was able to offer help wherever it was needed in the early days following the evacuations. And to this day, the Red Cross continues to assist with unmet needs, to funding community projects, and providing financial assistance to eligible local small businesses in the area.

“Our future looks very bright, and it’s only because of the help we received,” says Sheila Champion, who received support from the Canadian Red Cross for rent and groceries after the Champion family lost their home to the fire.

“Without the support from the Red Cross, I am sure I would have been closing my doors,” says Michelle Van Der Haegen, who had to was forced to abandon her business as a result of the evacuations. Michelle received financial assistance from the Canadian Red Cross to help her replace equipment and supplies.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Canadians from across the country as well as people around the world.

With the impact of the fires still being felt first-hand by individuals, families, small businesses and local community groups, the support of the Red Cross remains crucial to recovery.

Learn More 

• One Year Donor Update 
• ​Support for Community Organizations: www.redcross.ca/CommunityPartnerships  

Additional Resources  

• Alberta Fires appointment hotline: 1-888-553-5505
• ​People with severely damaged or destroyed homes, or those in need of emotional support or guidance with their recovery due to the Alberta wildfires are encouraged to make an appointment for a confidential assessment.
• Alberta Fires website: www.redcross.ca/albertafiresinfo 
• @RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog  
• Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111