Donations pour in at impromptu collection centres across Calgary

Calgarians have stepped up to support people affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire in a big way and they are digging deep.

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Across the city on Friday, many groups were gathering donations for evacuees, some at impromptu centres set up in a hurry.

The parking lot of Northstar Ford at Crowfoot was packed as dozens of volunteers sorted through donations.

Enrica Bosoni organized used clothes for distribution.

"I can't believe the devastation and what people are going through that have lost everything … they have nothing, nothing, nothing," Bosoni said.

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"I have been here since 8:30 a.m., I am going to come tomorrow, I might come Sunday."

Car after car pulled into the lot, with Calgarians bringing pet food, diapers, you name it.

Ebere Nwabuogor brought crates of bottled water and it's her second trip to donate on Friday.

"One can't imagine what the individuals are really experiencing. My heart goes out to them," Nwabuogor said.

"Having a home and then suddenly you find yourself homeless. It's unimaginable. I wish I could do something else, perhaps tomorrow."

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Organizers say they've already filled four 53-foot (16-metre) trailers and they're continuing to collect donations this weekend.

"We have 200 plus employees up there, they are all out of their houses right now and we have some working that have actually lost their homes and they are here helping us today," Joanne Hamilton said.

"It is overwhelming, it is really heartwarming and hard not to get emotional about it."

It's only one of many drop-off centres that have popped up across the city.

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At West Canadian in Inglewood, volunteers filled a truck that's heading north on Saturday.

Rob Steed says their company has nine employees in the Fort McMurray area and three have lost their homes.

"Personally from my team, it's devastating to hear that they have nothing," Steed said.

"So we'll do what we can for them."

Although those collecting certainly won't turn anything away, both the Red Cross and Salvation Army say the best thing to give now, is money.