Fox & Hound ready for Fort McMurray fundraiser

As Fort McMurray evacuees from around the province and in Innisfail prepare to go home this week, the Fox & Hound and Mulligans pub is getting ready for its big fundraiser this weekend.

The June 4 event at the Fox & Hound has been planned since the still burning wildfire forced the evacuation of 88,000 citizens of the Fort McMurray area on May 3.

The day following the city's entire evacuation on May 3, Kristen Spatz, manager at the Fox & Hound, decided to reach out to the people of Innisfail and fundraise for the victims of the wildfire. The June 4 fundraiser is set to start at 7 p.m.

"We want to raise as much as we can. I don't have an amount in mind," said Spatz, adding she has received an overwhelmingly positive public response to organizing a fundraiser. "People are commenting on how good it is, that it's a good place to have it, that it brings Innisfail all together, and the kids can come.

"I hope there will be a good crowd, but for this I think there will be," she added.

Rob Gette, co-owner of the pub, said it could be an emotional night as some impacted local Fort McMurray workers, including one employee's husband, have long been loyal patrons.

Gette added the evening is also important to him personally as he grew up in Fort McMurray, and still has cousins who have homes in the northern oilsands community and are anxiously waiting to return.

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.

For more information on the June 4 fundraiser visit the Facebook page at Fort Mac and Area Fire Fundraiser here.

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