A material donation collection centre for Fort McMurray residents has been set up in Edmonton. The ADRA Centre will take in, sort, store and distribute items to those affected by the wildfire. At this point, Minister of Municipal Affairs Danielle Larivee says they’re not taking anything large or used.
“We are looking for new items, but we do not have the capacity to manage large items such as furniture pieces, so in terms of household items it’s quite limited in terms of those smaller items such as pillows, towels, those more consumable-type items.”
They’re also looking for food like canned meat and peanut butter, baby food and formula along with new baby bottles. There’s also a need for first aid kits, children’s shoes, sanitary wipes and water.
Help isn’t just needed for those who lost their homes in the wildfire. Larivee says many people are coming home to property damage and are throwing out all of their food that went bad.
“There was a number of individuals who went without income for a substantial period of time, and in fact, a number of people are still not able to work because their employer hasn’t gotten their business up and running. It’s created a lot of challenge for a number of individuals who need some support getting back on their feet.”
Donations can be dropped off in person or arranged by calling the Alberta Connects hotline at 310-4455. Any surplus items will be shared with other charitable organizations in need.
