By Arielle Demchuk, Senior Communications Advisor - Emergencies
This summer’s wildfires in Alberta, which led to the evacuation of Jasper National Park and the closure of Highway 16, left a severe impact in the region, including small businesses that faced challenges such as structural damages, equipment loss, supply shortages and complete operational halts. Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the recovery of communities, the Canadian Red Cross launched the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program to provide some financial assistance.
Made possible through donor generosity and matching funds from the Government of Alberta, the program offers eligible businesses in Jasper up to $2,000, and those in nearby affected areas like Hinton and Valemount up to $1,000. While modest, this support has proven crucial for businesses striving to reopen and rebuild amidst extraordinary challenges.
For Jenna McGrath, owner of Jasper Wellness, the assistance came at a critical time. “We re-opened in September following six weeks of closure, and the $2,000 from the Red Cross helped with our expenses to get started up again. It took some stress away and helped us recuperate.”
Dedicated to providing self-care services, Jasper Wellness reopened quickly to support locals through this difficult period. Despite the hurdles, McGrath remains optimistic. “The fact that we can be in Jasper, that we have a community to rebuild upon, gives me hope that Jasper will once again be better than we’ve ever been before.”
The wildfires disrupted more than just businesses; they fractured the social and economic fabric of Jasper. Business owners like Stavro Korogonas of Jasper Pizza stress the importance of reopening for the community’s recovery. “Though sales and tourism are down, businesses being open is a step towards normalcy and recovery,” said Korogonas. His family has deep roots in Jasper, dating back to his great-grandfather’s arrival to the town in 1917. For him, rebuilding is about preserving a legacy. “I feel a great deal of responsibility to see this recovery through.”
A Long Road Ahead
For Jasper Pizza, the Red Cross assistance helped replenish essential supplies like takeout containers so they could reopen. For others, the path to reopening remains uncertain. Daryl Huculak of Olive Bistro faces steep challenges, from replacing damaged equipment and ceiling tiles to hiring employees after his staff accommodations were destroyed. Although the restaurant remains closed, the Red Cross assistance has helped with ongoing expenses like rent. “Every little bit helps – anything we can get that will help us through this,” said Huculak.
Others, like Pierre Carret of PAC Carpentry, are slowly picking up the pieces. After losing his home and tools in the fire, Carret is using the support to start replacing essential equipment. “There are no construction suppliers in Jasper right now, only in Hinton, so there is a lot of planning and driving to get supplies,” he explained. Despite the hurdles, Carret remains determined to keep moving forward.
Paul Butler, Executive Director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, underscores the importance of supporting small businesses in this recovery. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of Jasper’s economy,” Butler said. “We will not have successful recovery from a social standpoint if we are not successful with an economic recovery.” He encourages small business owners to apply for the program, calling the process simple and accessible.
Huculak adds, “A lot of our guests from over the years have written to us to check in and say they can’t wait to be back. The support is amazing.”
McGrath agrees. "It’s really amazing that Jasper is so supported. And the Red Cross being here, listening, and participating in the community is so meaningful."
Through the Support to Small Business program, the Canadian Red Cross hopes to provide not only financial relief, but a renewed sense of hope and possibility for Jasper’s future. As McGrath notes, “Eventually we will get all the Jasperites back, and when we do, we’ll be together again in this beautiful place that we call home.”
For more information or to apply for support by December 20, please visit the program page.
This summer’s wildfires in Alberta, which led to the evacuation of Jasper National Park and the closure of Highway 16, left a severe impact in the region, including small businesses that faced challenges such as structural damages, equipment loss, supply shortages and complete operational halts. Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the recovery of communities, the Canadian Red Cross launched the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program to provide some financial assistance.
Hope in Recovery
Made possible through donor generosity and matching funds from the Government of Alberta, the program offers eligible businesses in Jasper up to $2,000, and those in nearby affected areas like Hinton and Valemount up to $1,000. While modest, this support has proven crucial for businesses striving to reopen and rebuild amidst extraordinary challenges. For Jenna McGrath, owner of Jasper Wellness, the assistance came at a critical time. “We re-opened in September following six weeks of closure, and the $2,000 from the Red Cross helped with our expenses to get started up again. It took some stress away and helped us recuperate.”
Dedicated to providing self-care services, Jasper Wellness reopened quickly to support locals through this difficult period. Despite the hurdles, McGrath remains optimistic. “The fact that we can be in Jasper, that we have a community to rebuild upon, gives me hope that Jasper will once again be better than we’ve ever been before.”
More Than Financial Recovery
The wildfires disrupted more than just businesses; they fractured the social and economic fabric of Jasper. Business owners like Stavro Korogonas of Jasper Pizza stress the importance of reopening for the community’s recovery. “Though sales and tourism are down, businesses being open is a step towards normalcy and recovery,” said Korogonas. His family has deep roots in Jasper, dating back to his great-grandfather’s arrival to the town in 1917. For him, rebuilding is about preserving a legacy. “I feel a great deal of responsibility to see this recovery through.” A Long Road Ahead 
For Jasper Pizza, the Red Cross assistance helped replenish essential supplies like takeout containers so they could reopen. For others, the path to reopening remains uncertain. Daryl Huculak of Olive Bistro faces steep challenges, from replacing damaged equipment and ceiling tiles to hiring employees after his staff accommodations were destroyed. Although the restaurant remains closed, the Red Cross assistance has helped with ongoing expenses like rent. “Every little bit helps – anything we can get that will help us through this,” said Huculak. Others, like Pierre Carret of PAC Carpentry, are slowly picking up the pieces. After losing his home and tools in the fire, Carret is using the support to start replacing essential equipment. “There are no construction suppliers in Jasper right now, only in Hinton, so there is a lot of planning and driving to get supplies,” he explained. Despite the hurdles, Carret remains determined to keep moving forward.
Paul Butler, Executive Director of the Jasper Chamber of Commerce, underscores the importance of supporting small businesses in this recovery. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of Jasper’s economy,” Butler said. “We will not have successful recovery from a social standpoint if we are not successful with an economic recovery.” He encourages small business owners to apply for the program, calling the process simple and accessible.
A Story of Resilience
From those struggling to rebuild to those reopening, Jasper’s resilience shines through in every story of recovery. Yet one sentiment echoes in every story, and that is the immeasurable support felt by the community of Jasper. “From local organizations and the Red Cross to Canadians across the country, it’s been amazing to see how many people want to help,” said Carret.Huculak adds, “A lot of our guests from over the years have written to us to check in and say they can’t wait to be back. The support is amazing.”
McGrath agrees. "It’s really amazing that Jasper is so supported. And the Red Cross being here, listening, and participating in the community is so meaningful."
Through the Support to Small Business program, the Canadian Red Cross hopes to provide not only financial relief, but a renewed sense of hope and possibility for Jasper’s future. As McGrath notes, “Eventually we will get all the Jasperites back, and when we do, we’ll be together again in this beautiful place that we call home.”
For more information or to apply for support by December 20, please visit the program page.
