From volunteer to evacuee: A story of resilience

A social delegate with the Réseau d’entraide des délégués sociaux et des déléguées sociales of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ), Donald has been coordinating FTQ’s workplace campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross since 2002. He was directly affected by the 2023 wildfires in Chibougamau and was forced to evacuate his home that summer.

"About three or four days before the official evacuation order, we could feel it coming… My friend, a logger, couldn’t go to work—it was too dangerous. On evacuation day, the air was thick with smoke. On the news, they said the fires were less than 10 kilometres from town.

I had a meeting that evening. When I got home at around 8:20 p.m., my neighbour across the street said, ‘Hey Donald, grab your things—we have to evacuate’. So I got my dog and quickly gathered some dog food, a few clothes, and left. I only took the essentials. I turned on the radio in my truck, and they were advising everyone to go to the Roberval shelter, set up at the town arena.


Photo : Donald Tremblay

On the way to Roberval, my dog seemed stressed—it was dark, he didn’t know where I was taking him, and it was his first long car ride. To calm him down, I said, ‘Don’t worry, I don’t know where we’re going either…’ Strangely, it comforted him, and it reassured me, too. When we arrived at the Roberval arena, we were warmly welcomed. Since I was among the first to arrive and things were not totally set up, I offered to help. They asked me to set up some cots. I put together a few, and others did too. Within a few hours, everything was ready, and a flow of people started coming in.

In the hours and days that followed, several friends called and invited me over for meals, but I told them, ‘No, I can’t get away. I’m watching the fire, and I’m watching my house.’ It was important for me to stay informed in real time and to lend a hand at the shelter. At the arena, we were receiving information and given moral support, food and shelter. Fortunately, Canadian Red Cross volunteers were there to help and hand out hygiene kits because I had nothing with me.

Five days after the evacuation, we saw a light at the end of the tunnel. We’d soon be able to go back home… But we had no idea what to expect. I thought my house might be gone, but in the end, it had been spared—I was so relieved. Everything was intact, even the neighbourhood and the forest surrounding my house. I’m proud to be a social delegate with the Réseau d'entraide des délégués sociaux et des déléguées sociales de la FTQ and to support the Canadian Red Cross. Their mission is vital, and I encourage all businesses to get involved like we do.”

Feeling inspired to help? Find out how you can volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross: Volunteer with us — Canadian Red Cross.