Many Grande Prairie businesses are collecting donations to help with Fort McMurray fire relief. Officials say that donating to the Red Cross is the best way to help. The federal government has confirmed that they will match any financial contributions made.
You can donate directly to the Red Cross at their website or by texting “REDCROSS” to 30333 for a $5 donation.
There will be a fundraising BBQ put on by Bluewave Energy on May 13th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be served and all proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross. Bluewave Energy is located at 14125 99th Street.
St. John Ambulance is accepting cash donations only. The money donated to them will be used to support a variety of needs including helping those affected by the fires and costs associated with deployment of volunteers in the receiving centres located in Edmonton. You can donate to their cause here.
Happy Trails RV is showing its support for the residents of the evacuated city with the use of the Community Events Trailer for STARS Air Ambulance use. Grande Prairie and Edmonton STARS pilots will be switching on and off shifts while based out of Lac La Biche. They will also be donating $100.00 from every RV sale to the Red Cross Wildfire Relief Efforts.
There will be a benefit concert held on May 20th to help victims. Better Than Fred’s and Red Rock Urban BBQ are teaming up to raise funds. They will be having live bands all night and an auction of band merchandise to support evacuees. They are looking for bands to participate. Anyone wanting to play during the fundraiser can call John Kriska at (780) 832-833.
There will be a dunk tank held at 11308 100 Street on May 14th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Pledge forms are available at Canopy West Truck Accessories.
Oranj Fitness is collecting cash donations with their company matching all donations.
Any donations are able to be dropped off at PrairieCoast Equipment in Grande Prairie. They will be taking in any supplies at all their locations and say they will make sure they get to those in need. Along with their location in the swan city, they will be accepting donations at all of their 9 locations in Alberta and BC.
Items are being collected across the parking lot from the GPRC walk-in clinic at 10625 104 Avenue with Building Blocks Day Care Grande Prairie. They have a large storage area to keep items in and are open 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
This Sunday, May 15th at the IGA (Southside) Parking Lot, IGA and Charles Spencer students and staff are hosting a BBQ. They’ll have burgers, pop, hot dogs, etc. and sell from 11am to 5pm. They’ll also have kids games to keep them busy – colouring, bubbles, chalk drawing, and more. All funds collected will go the Fort McMurray funds being collected through Red Cross.
The Crosslink County Sportsplex is offering anyone evacuated from the Fort McMurray area access to drop-in recreation services until June 10. No memberships will be issued – evacuees will be asked to present ID at the front desk and will be asked to sign in to a confidential ledger. Recreation opportunities include the walking track, indoor field house, indoor batting cage, outdoor playground and playing fields, ball hockey, shinny, stick & puck and public skating. We are also offering free yoga classes. Access to the Motion Fitness gym is included at either of their local locations. Please call 780-830-7407 for more information.