Many across the province are rallying together to help Fort McMurray after a devastating wildfire destroyed at least 1,600 buildings and forced the evacuation of almost 90,000 citizens.
Many across the province are rallying together to help Fort McMurray after a devastating wildfire destroyed at least 1,600 buildings and forced the evacuation of almost 90,000 citizens.
Residents in Innisfail are among them, and there is now a community-driven initiative to help.
"I've been watching what's happening on the news and on Facebook. I watched it for hours last night," said Kristin Spatz, manager at the Fox & Hound and Mulligans. "When something affects me that I can't do anything about, I feel I need to give. I need to try and I need to get Innisfail involved."
The day following the city's entire evacuation on May 3, Spatz decided to reach out to the people of Innisfail and fundraise for the victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire.
"I think it's great that even though (Fort McMurray) is so far away, there's people helping from all over Alberta," she said.
Spatz is coordinating a silent auction fundraiser for June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Fox & Hound.
"I feel like I need to help. There's so many people that want to help that say that there is nothing they can do, but there is," said Spatz. "Even donating one little item to the silent auction will help.
"I'm going to try to get as many donations as possible. People can donate cash or new silent auction items," she added. "I'm asking local businesses if they would donate items as well," said Spatz. "People can drop items off at the Fox & Hound under my name."
Proceeds raised from the silent auction on June 4 are set to go to the Red Cross to help fire victims. Spatz said a wildfire account has been set up with the Red Cross.
"I will be taking the money to the office in Red Deer and they will go through it all with me to make sure it gets there," said Spatz.
Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government will match donations to the Canadian Red Cross, a pledge that was also made by the provincial government.
On Monday, the Central Alberta Co-op, which includes the Innisfail store, announced it will match all donations up to a maximum $5,000. Citizens can bring in their donations to the cashier at the local store.
For more information on the June 4 fundraiser visit the Facebook page at Fort Mac and Area Fire Fundraiser.
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Kristen Spatz
"I've been watching what's happening on the news and on Facebook. I watched it for hours last night. When something affects me that I can't do anything about, I feel I need to give. I need to try and I need to get Innisfail involved."
