How to help those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire

Wildfires have forced tens of thousands of people from their homes in Fort McMurray, Alta. Some have lost all their belongings in the massive blaze. Here are some of the ways to help those affected:

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RED CROSS: The Canadian Red Cross is accepting monetary donations through their website (redcross.ca). A $5 donation can also be made by texting REDCROSS to 30333.

SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army is collecting monetary donations online (https://secure.salvationarmy.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=197650). It says it will provide food, clothing and shelter, among its emergency services.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE: The Samaritan’s Purse says it is assembling a team that will head to Fort McMurray to provide physical and emotional help once the evacuation order on the city is lifted. It is accepting monetary donations through its website (http://samaritanspurse.ca)

WOOD BUFFALO FOOD BANK: The Wood Buffalo Food Bank, which serves the regional municipality that includes Fort McMurray, is taking PayPal donations through its website. (woodbuffalofoodbank.com)

AIRBNB: Airbnb has activated its Disaster Response Tool, encouraging its host community around Edmonton to help displaced residents with free housing. The tool, on offer until May 21, allows existing hosts and local residents with extra space to host people through Airbnb for free.

FORT MCMURRAY SPCA: The Fort McMurray SPCA is working with partners and local authorities to reunite displaced residents with pets they were forced to leave behind. It is accepting monetary donations online (http://fortmcmurrayspca.ca/index.php?area_id=1024&page_id=1133)

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