Fort McMurray fire: How to help or get help in Calgary

ManyCalgariansare looking for ways to donate or pitch in to help those displaced by the FortMcMurraywildfires. Here's an up-to-date list of various agencies and resources.

The following list focuses on Calgary but if you are elsewhere in the province and need help or want to offer it, here's a comprehensive list:

• Fort McMurray evacuees: A list of resources available across Alberta

Canadian 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 atAlberta Fires Appealonline,by calling 1-800-418-1111or 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 and federal governments is matching donations made to the Red Cross.

Anyone concerned about possible fraudulent online donation pages can contact the Red Cross directly.

Calgary opens its doors

The City of Calgary has opened four evacuee housingcentres in four post-secondary institutions,at the University of Calgary, SAIT, Ambrose University and Mount Royal University. On May 9, Calgary'semergency management chief warned wildfire evacuees not to come to Calgary if they had room somewhere else, as they mightfind themselves sleeping on cots in a gym.

YMMFire.ca

This siteaims to help pair Albertans able to open their homes, rental properties, recreational propertiesand other available space to people in need of somewhere to stay.

YMMhelp.com

Asitewhere you can offer assistanceor ask for help byfilling out one simple form. Your contact information will be added to a growing database that'savailableto theAEMAand the Canadian Red Cross.

• YMMhelp.com is your one-stop shop to help Fort McMurray evacuees

Fort Mac recovers

This siteis designed to facilitate community preparedness and recovery. Residents can request help, and others can sign up to donate and volunteer.

Ifyou'd like to donateyou'll be asked to list the type of donation you're able to give (toothbrushes, baby food, shelter, etc.) and enter contact information, and an organizer will contact you when your donation is needed.

Also,sign up to volunteer, and an organizer will be in touch when the clean-up and recovery efforts are needed.

Facebooksupport groups

(CBC cannot verify or endorse these groups)

Offer accommodations for evacueesin these groups:

• Fort McMurrayevacuee open source help page
• Fort McMurray evac relocation help group

Offer food, supplies or accommodationfor pets:

• Fort McMurrayfire emergency animal assistance

Donate goods and supplies:

• Fort Mac fire donations

Organizations donating to cause

West Canadianis filling up a cube van withdiapers, wipes, new socks, new underwear, new pillows and pillow cases, hygiene products and toiletries and bringing it tothe Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society on Saturday. Drop off your donations at1601NinthAvenue S.E. before Friday night to take part, or call403-245-2555 and emailftmacaid@westcanadian.com to help.

TheCalgary Food Bank is preparing for the support Fort McMurray will need during this crisis. Calgary Food Bank is also providing an opportunity for you to donate to towards the Wood Buffalo Food Bank in Fort McMurray. The location in which you can donate items is at5000 11th Street S.E.

The Calgary Humane Society is providing an overflow site toshelter animals affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires should the Edmonton Humane Society fill up. It is also collecting donations and gift cards to be given to registered animal welfare agencies impacted by the forest fires.

Inn from the Cold will provide support for families and individuals impacted by the FortMcMurrayforest fires by providing accommodation for these families. The location is 11011th Ave.S.E. Please contact to register at403-263-8384.

Samaritan's Purse is preparing its team to provide support for Fort McMurray once evacuation alerts are lifted and it is safe to enter. This team of workers will help with the aftermath of the crisis by providing support for families and helping with the clean up.

TheBilly Graham Evangelistic Association of Canadaorganization will provide help for the people of Fort McMurray by deploying a team of individuals to provide any emotional and spiritual support for those who were affected.

Fundraisers

All proceeds from thesales oft-shirtswith the slogan"Fort Mac Will Fight Back"will go to the Alberta Red Cross.

May15
Kingshead Pub:Calgary bands for Fort McMurray.

May18
Rockin' 4 Fort McMurray at Broken City.

May19
Atlantic Trap and Gill:$10 minimumdonation goes to Fort McMurray.

South Trail Chrysler: accepting donations.

Tipperary's Pub:donating $.50 per pint to the Red Cross

• Fort McMurray fire: Resourcesfor evacuees and how to helpacross the province
• Follow theCBC Newsliveblogfor thelatest on the fire and the evacuations from the community