$125M raised so far for Fort McMurray; figure expected to go up ‘substantially’

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – The Red Cross says $125 million has been raised so far in donations to help in the Fort McMurray wildfire recovery effort.

The agency’s president, Conrad Sauve, said that figure will increase substantially once eligible donations are matched by the Alberta and federal governments.

Sauve warned the money will be needed to help fund a recovery effort that could last for years.

“Let’s remember that we are a month in and we know that it will take much more time for recovery to occur,” he said Thursday.

“For some it might take months, for others it may take years and the Red Cross will be here to assist for as long as needed.”

Sauve said much of the $125 million has already been used to pay for direct cash transfers to evacuees, transportation, food, shelter and cleanup kits.

He said the Red Cross will also provide an additional $50 million to help community organizations such as the food bank and the YMCA get back on their feet in Fort McMurray.

The Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the United Way will work together to decide where the money will be the most helpful.