More than $2 million was raised toward wildfire relief during the Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper last Wednesday (July 31).
Albertans either directly donated to the Canadian Red Cross or offered the proceeds from items dropped off at Alberta Bottle Depots.
The Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper event itself raised more than $674,000, and the federal and provincial governments will each provide matching donations, with the final total being more than $2 million.
“The Canadian Red Cross is committed to assisting people impacted by the devastating fires in Alberta,” said Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross, in a news release.
“We encourage everyone living in Jasper at the time of the evacuation to register with the Red Cross. We are here to help, and financial assistance is available. People impacted by these fires will also be able to count on the Red Cross to be there during their recovery in the weeks and months ahead.”
Funds will go directly to help support people in Jasper and other areas in Alberta impacted by the wildfires.
This support will include financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires and supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.
Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper was a partnership between radio broadcasters across the province and the Alberta Bottle Depot Association.
As of Aug. 1, including the last total received from Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper, the Red Cross has raised more than $7.8 million for the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal.
Online donations can still be made at the Red Cross website.
Those impacted by the wildfires can register with the Red Cross online or call 1-800-863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT.
