Credit Unions Collect for Fort McMurray Fire Victims

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - May 5, 2016) - The Canadian Red Cross and Saskatchewan credit unions today announced that, effective immediately, cash donations to help families and individuals affected by the Fort McMurray Alberta wildfire will be accepted at participating Saskatchewan credit unions until June 5, 2016.

"We are thrilled to have Saskatchewan credit unions come through for the people affected by the wildfires in Alberta in their moment of need," said Cindy Fuchs, Vice-President of the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan.

In the past 48 hours, a massive wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, has threatened the lives of tens of thousands of people and impacted more than a dozen communities in the surrounding area.

A mandatory evacuation has forced all 70,000 Fort McMurray residents to leave their homes in search of safety - the largest fire-related evacuation in the province's history. The fire has destroyed homes in several neighbourhoods and is threatening surrounding areas.

We don't yet know the extent of devastation and loss this rapidly evolving disaster will cause but Red Cross disaster response experts are preparing for the worst.

"In Saskatchewan, we have first-hand experience of the devastating effect these fires can have on communities," said Debbie Lane, Executive Vice-President, SaskCentral. "Our thoughts are with our Alberta neighbours whose lives have been disrupted by this disaster. As always in these situations, our credit unions are ready and willing to partner with the Red Cross in gathering relief funds."

Canadians wishing to support Red Cross efforts can make a financial donation to the Alberta Fires Appeal online at www.redcross.ca/albertafires, by calling 1-800-418-1111, by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office or at any Saskatchewan credit union branch until June 5, 2016. A financial donation is the best way to help, as Red Cross/Red Crescent societies already have trained personnel working on the crisis.