How volunteers help in disasters such as B.C. wildfires

Six months after the wildfire, people continue to put their lives back together. Each person’s situation is unique and requires special support. Thanks to your donations, the Red Cross is giving people the individual attention and support they need along their road to recovery.

In May 2016, wildfires devastated entire homes and lives in Fort McMurray and its surrounding area. While the effects of this disaster have been tragic, Canadians quickly came together to support those in need. More than one million donors have shown their care and compassion through a donation to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal.

The Red Cross wants to say thank you to the entire country for rallying together to deliver a sense of help and hope to individuals and families affected by the fires with a free download of “Proud,” a song written and donated by Newfoundland’s Sean McCann of Great Big Sea fame.

Click here to download the song!

Sean was in Banff the day the fires started and was deeply moved by the ordeal.

“I kept seeing this disaster unfold and get bigger,” he says. “For the first three days it just looked hopeless and I felt hopeless. Then I started to see Canadians responding en masse and I started to feel hope come back.”

Sean’s song shares this message of hope, and coming together. The Red Cross is able to respond thanks to volunteers, staff, and generous donors.

For Emergency Preparedness Week, we are asking you to share what’s in your kit to help you survive 72 hours in times of emergencies. Jean-Pierre Taschereau, our Director of Emergency Operations, shows us what’s in his kit – and why it’s important to this world traveller.
Get a Kit

First responders welcome home the residents of 100 Mile after the evacuation order was lifted. Fire chief Roger Hollander says he’s happy to welcome back citizens. A member of ESS hugs a firefighter. Two people in ESS vests dance. Video ends with a welcome home sign.