Fort McMurray evacuees: A list of resources available across Alberta
CBC News | Posted: May 4, 2016 7:39 PM | Last Updated: May 5, 2016
This list is frequently updated with the latest in relief efforts for evacuees and their families
Evacuees looking for resources and members of the public who want to help can do so through the resources listed below.
For the latest news, follow CBC's Live Blog for details and up-to-the-minute news about the Fort McMurray wildfire.
General relief
Red Cross
Families evacuated from the fire can call with questions, to register with the agency, reconnect with family members and help response agencies mobilize resources. 1-888-350-6070
Canadians wishing to donate to relief efforts can do so at Alberta Fires Appeal online, by calling 1-800-418-1111, or by contacting their local Red Cross office. Donations go towards food, clothing, shelter and other necessities.
You can also text REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation.
The Alberta government is matching donations made to the Red Cross.
Anyone concerned about possible fraudulent online donation pages can contact the Red Cross directly.
Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society
Items currently most needed at Edmonton Emergency Relief Services are diapers, wipes, toiletries, socks, underwear and pillows. The society is also looking for volunteers. More information can be found on their website.
Evacuation centres and lodging
Edmonton Expo Centre
A temporary evacuation centre opened on Tuesday night. The centre has room to lodge 5,000 people and can accommodate trailers and RVs of any size in the parking lot. The Alberta Red Cross is on scene to assist evacuees and food and beverages are available. The centre will be available for evacuees all week, possibly longer.
Pets are welcome.
The following centres are also accepting an unspecified number of evacuees:
- Lac La Biche Bold Centre
- Anzac Recreation Centre - now evacuated
- Wapasu Creek Lodge
- Horizon North Blacksand Lodge
- Suncor Firebag Village
The City of Edmonton is asking residents to not go to Northlands to volunteer or drop off donations, said a media release. This is blocking access to those who need it and causing logistical issues.
The centre is staffed by trained emergency-response support-team members. There may be opportunities for the public to volunteer in the coming days.
Free shuttles are running from the Edmonton International Airport into Edmonton to bring evacuees to the Expo Centre.
MacEwan University
The downtown Edmonton university will be opening its student residences on Wednesday for evacuees. It has 215 beds available starting Wednesday night. They have enough parking for 800 vehicles, including RVs and motor homes. Food services are also available.
Al Rashid Mosque
This Edmonton mosque is open for anyone needing food and a place to stay. Visit their website for directions and contact information.
YMMFire.ca
This website aims to help pair Albertans able to open their homes, rental properties, recreational properties, and other available space to people in need of somewhere to stay.
Airbnb
The rental accommodations app and website is waiving all service fees and letting hosts list their homes for free. It has also launched a disaster response page to help people connect with others offering places to stay.
Hotels
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo website has a list of Edmonton hotels offering "compassionate rates."
Medical help
Pharmasave
This pharmacy's Garneau location will pull medical records to renew medication prescriptions or get in touch with doctors of Fort McMurray evacuees. Contact them here.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
The Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton is offering accommodations to Fort McMurray families arriving with children with medical needs.
Meeting space and communication
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
The ECC is offering free meeting and office space for members of the Fort McMurray business community. Visit its website for more information.
Shaw Communications
Shaw has opened its Wifi services for free to all residents north of Edmonton.
TELUS
TELUS is also offering free calls and texts in the area until May 17. TELUS payphones are also free in Alberta, and they're bringing in six mobile wireless sites, charging stations, 1,000 comfort kits and 1,000 mobile phones to evacuation centres.
Food
Edmonton Food Bank
Food resources remain available to all Edmontonians and any evacuees entering the city. The organization is preparing to send food shipments to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank and other organizations needing support.
Food donations can be left at any major grocery store or fire hall in Edmonton. Monetary donations can be made on their website.
Earls Restaurants
Anyone with a government-issued ID with a Fort McMurray address can get a free sandwich and drink from any Earls location in Edmonton.
Kinnikinnick Foods
Any evacuees with celiac concerns can stop by their food store in Edmonton and they'll provide anything needed.
Mary Brown's
Edmonton franchises are offering a free meal to anyone with a government issued ID with a Fort McMurray address.
Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant
The veggie restaurant just north of downtown is offering free lunch or dinner to those with a government issued ID with a Fort McMurray address.
Pancake breakfast
A pancake breakfast is happening in Churchill Square on Friday from 7 to 10 a.m.
The breakfast is free for evacuees, otherwise it's a 5$ donation to the Red Cross.
Chianti Cafe and Restaurant
This Italian restaurant on Whyte Avenue is offering a free soup or salad, any pasta creation and a non-alcoholic drink to evacuees.
Pet care
Edmonton Humane Society
EHS is prepared to accept displaced animals without owners. The society is also prepared to perform a rescue operation for animals left behind in Fort McMurray during the evacuation.
Visit this webpage for more information and to donate.
Pet Planet
Edmonton locations are accepting donations for evacuees with pets. Evacuees are welcome to stop by for support.
Westlock Veterinary Centre
The Westlock Veterinary Centre is opening its kennels for anyone from Fort McMurray with a dog or cat needing food and board. It has room for dogs of all sizes and outdoor areas to exercise animals. Contact information can be found on the website.
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society
Fort McMurray residents who were forced to leave animals behind or who need temporary care for their animals can fill out this Animal Assistance Request form, generated by the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society.
Lost pets can also be registered on the Fort McMurray Fire Emergency Animal Assistance Facebook page.
Champion Pet Food
The store is offering free pet food on Wednesday and Thursday for evacuees at their Edmonton store at 11403 186 Street.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton
WRSE is accepting up to 12 medium to large-sized dogs at their wildlife hospital in Edmonton. Dogs must be in good health with no ongoing medical issues. Contact them for more information.
Vehicle repair
Fountain Tire
Their Edmonton location at 8550 Yellowhead Trail will repair flat tires or other tire problems for evacuees for free.
Storage
U-Haul
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box rentals at U-Haul centres in Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories for Fort McMurray evacuees. Go to the website to find a location.
StoreSmart
This company is offering a free month of storage for evacuees.
Financial aid
ATB Financial
The bank has made a disaster-relief program available for its customers affected by the fire. ATB will offer emergency overdraft protection, increased credit limits and loan-payment deferrals if needed, depending on the customer's circumstances.
Customers can call them at 1-800-332-8383 for more information.
Attractions
West Edmonton Mall
The mall is offering free admission for all attractions on Thursday for Fort McMurray evacuees. Wristbands can be picked up with proof of residence from 9:30 a.m. on Thursday on Level One, Phase I, by TD Bank and Spa Lady.
Telus World of Science
Free admission, including all exhibits, is available to Fort McMurray evacuees with valid identification.
City of Edmonton attractions and facilities
Evacuees can now access all City of Edmonton attractions and facilities, such as pools and gyms, as well as the Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature, for free with Fort McMurray identification. There is no set end date.
Social media
Pages offering help from citizens have surfaced on Facebook on the Fort McMurray Evacuee Open Source Help Page and at YMM Helping Others.
More information on where to find food, lodging and relief services is being shared from the Twitter account @YMMhelp.
Please contact CBC Edmonton to keep this list updated with any other major offers of support for evacuees.