Edmonton Emergency Relief Society calls need for supplies a 'desperate situation'
Erika Stark | CBC News | Posted: May 12, 2016 11:40 PM | Last Updated: May 12, 2016
Though many evacuees have found long term accommodations, the need for supplies is great, EERS says
Keep the donations coming, Edmonton.
The organization in charge of doling out clothing, bedding, toiletries and other essentials to Fort McMurray wildfire evacuees say they're in dire need of more help.
"As of this moment, we are still in a desperate situation for supplies," said Nicole Geoffroy, a spokesperson for the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society.
- Fort McMurray still faces fire threat, officials say
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But don't haul your old clothing out of the closet and drop it off at the evacuation centres, Geoffroy added.
She said the society needs new clothing, socks, underwear for all sizes and ages, as well as new bedding.
"We need to be able to keep on helping these people as much as we can," Geoffroy said.
Since Monday, Geoffroy says the society has been able to help about 14,000 evacuees, and around 800 volunteers have pitched in to make it happen.
"It's gotten to the point now where they are coming in and spending more time with the families that are in need than their own families who are at home," Geoffroy said.
Though the society was initially inundated with donations, Geoffroy says it's vital to keep them coming.
"The need hasn't gone," she said.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society's Facebook page.
Donation drop-off locations:
- 9727-47 Avenue
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 3631-56 Avenue East (Hangar at Edmonton International Airport)
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.