Fort McMurray wildfires: P.E.I. government donates $25K for relief
'We are all personally affected by this catastrophe'
The P.E.I. government will give $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support wildfire relief efforts in Fort McMurray, Alta.
In a written release, Premier Wade MacLauchlan said the effects of the fire are being felt throughout Atlantic Canada said even though the events are taking place in Alberta.
"Prince Edward Islanders and residents of Fort McMurray are members of a common community; we are all personally affected by this catastrophe," MacLauchlan said.
"We continue to hold our extended family in our thoughts and offer assistance during these unfolding events and the subsequent recovery."
The four Atlantic provinces are giving a combined total of $250,000 — $75,000 each from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Fundraisers and charity drives abound on the Island for fire victims: Nancy Hamill of western P.E.I. is collecting donated items such as shampoo, socks, pet supplies and toothbrushes to send to Edmonton to help people displaced by the fires, and COWS Ice Cream donated 100 per cent of ice cream sales Sunday — totaling almost $25,000 — to the Red Cross.
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Well-known P.E.I. musician Garth Matthews dies
- MORE P.E.I. NEWS | 2 fishermen rescued thanks to help of Good Samaritans