There’s a new initiative to help the families affected by the wildfire in Fort McMurray this past spring. A couple from High River, Terry and Helga Lempriere have started a decoration drive for the people the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
It was inspired by a similar initiative done for the people of High River after the devastating flood in 2013. Terry says his wife thought of the idea.
“She said, ‘that was one of the most memorable things about the flood and I wonder if anyone’s doing that for the people of Fort McMurray. We did a quick Google search and found nothing, so we took it upon ourselves to get something started.”
They are accepting all Christmas ornaments, wrapping paper, cards, tinsel, and artificial trees. Helga says the hope is to relieve people of the high costs often accompanying the holiday season.
“Christmas is kind of the best of times but it can also be the worst of times when you look at it financially. Being able to not have to worry about that financial burden of the decorations and the tree, that being gifted to us was a huge load off our shoulders.”
A collection site at the Grande Prairie Church of Christ and Overnite Expedite/ONE Transport. Donations can be dropped off from October 22nd to 20th. You can get more information at the Christmas Ornaments for Fort McMurray Facebook page.
With files from 106.1 The Goat