When you live in Northern Alberta, the threat of forest fires is something you get used to.
“I didn’t initially realize how severe it was,” said 29-year-old Jessica Masse, a resident of Fort McMurray. “Earlier that day, I was playing outside with my daughter and my mother-in-law. The skies were blue,” Jessica recalled. But in just hours the blue skies had disappeared – and were replaced with smoke.
Jessica and her fiancé, Jed, grabbed what they could and evacuated with their daughter to Jed’s work camp, where they spent the night. The next day, they got back on the highway and drove to the home of a friend, near Edmonton. It was in the early hours of the morning that Jessica realized there was a good chance she would have no home to return to. Her cell phone, connected to the family’s security system, had alerted her to the presence of smoke inside of the house and broken windows. It was then that the decision was made to head to Windsor and stay with Jessica’s family while the young couple decided what to do next.
It was in Windsor that Jessica first came into contact with the Canadian Red Cross. The Red Cross provided the family with financial assistance to help cover the cost of clothing and other basic necessities, “and flights,” Jessica added. The support Jessica received from the Red Cross allowed her to return to Fort McMurray to see what was left of her home. “When they told me that they’d be able to help us, I sat in their office and cried.”
Across the country, the Red Cross responds to one disaster, such as a house fire, flood or tornado, every three and a half hours. Last year, 46,973 Canadians, received Red Cross assistance. Teams of trained volunteers provide support to both families and communities for up to 72 hours following a disaster, ensuring that those affected have a safe place to stay, food to eat and clothes to wear as well as access to psychosocial support.
Each year, Walmart stores across Canada dedicate several weeks to support the Red Cross in helping Canadians prepare for, as well as recover from, disaster. The funds raised at each store are used where they are needed most, providing assistance to those affected by a disaster.
“You hear about it all the time, but you never expect to be the person who needs it,” said Jessica. “We’re very grateful to the Red Cross for everything they’ve done for us.”
Visit
www.redcross.ca/walmartcampaign or head to your local Walmart to donate today.