Fundraiser to help Fort McMurray

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

As the unforgiving Fort McMurray inferno continues to wreak havoc in the region, demand the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and emergency crews, and leaves thousands of people stranded and homeless, local politicians are pooling their resources to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross and the displaced residents of the northeast Albertan service area, this Friday.
The local Wildrose Constituency Association cancelled their long-planned fundraiser as a direct result of the tragedy in northern Alberta, and instead partnered with the Town of Strathmore, Wheatland County, Member of Parliament, and local businesses to organize a barbeque-silent-auction fundraising event.
“Everybody gets it,” said Derek Fildebrandt, MLA for Strathmore-Brooks.
“When your neighbour is in trouble you help each other out. Fort McMurray is sort of a really distant neighbour but we all have connections. The leader of our party lost his home, so it hit close to home. We were sitting in Edmonton just sort of stunned and not really knowing how we can help. So the best we can all do is pitch in as neighbours and help.”
Fildebrandt also recently lent a helping hand at a Fort McMurray fundraiser in Calgary that surpassed their initial goal of $4,000 by raising $15,000. Just as he is involved in Strathmore, the politician is in touch with groups in Brooks to create a similar event.
According to Pastor Dawn Nelson at the Lord of All Lutheran Church in Strathmore, seven families have already found shelter in Strathmore as well as numerous animals are being cared for in local kennels.
“To see all of the volunteers and what’s coming together in regards to this, just shows the pride that we have in our community and how we are, as Albertans, how we help each other and support each other in times of need and this is indeed a time of need for our people that are up in Fort McMurray and the surrounding communities,” said Strathmore Mayor Michael Ell. “There are many citizens wanting to help and seeing what they’re doing is really heart-warming and really appreciated.”
Individuals and many Strathmore-based businesses are also collecting and accepting donations, including Tina’s No Frills, Strathmore Ford, Starbucks, and the UFA. Holy Cross Collegiate is also hosting a food drive on May 13.
The event will feature local bands, a barbeque, and a silent auction with proceeds from the food and auction going directly to help Fort McMurray residents. Community members are also encouraged to bring their empty bottles and cans. On May 7, when Strathmore local Chris Morgan organized the Emergency Services Tribute in Kinsmen Park – an event planned for months and coincidentally corresponded with the blaze – Fildebrandt and his staff also collected bottles where the bottle depot matched 20 per cent of the total amount. He is asking anyone interested in volunteering or any local businesses able to provide items for the silent auction to contact the Strathmore constituency office at 403-324-4400.
The fundraiser is scheduled for May 13 at Kinsmen Park with main events taking place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.