Red Cross supporting evacuees from Manitoba First Nations impacted by wildfires

The Canadian Red Cross is supporting the complete evacuation of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation that was caused by wildfires encroaching on the community.
 
The Red Cross is providing lodging, food and personal support to evacuees, who started leaving the community on Sunday evening. The only people still in the community are those who are supporting the fire response. At this point, 660 evacuees have registered with the Red Cross.
 
“The Canadian Red Cross team was able to respond very quickly to the First Nation’s request for evacuation support and the community members were able to get out safely. We are now working closely with First Nation leadership to provide necessary support to the evacuees while they are displaced from their homes,” said Shawn Feely, vice-president, Manitoba and Nunavut, Canadian Red Cross.
 
The evacuees are currently staying in hotels in The Pas, Swan River and Brandon. The evacuees will be out until community leadership determines it is safe to return.
 
Late on Monday evening, residents from Kinonjeoshtogan First Nation with health concerns were evacuated from the community due to different wildfires. The small number of residents of the Interlake-area First Nation who have left the community will be staying in hotels in Winnipeg.
 
The response in both communities is part of an agreement between the Canadian Red Cross and the federal government to provide disaster assistance to Manitoba First Nations.
 
Since Red Cross disaster assistance to First Nations is supported by the federal government, the expenses for the response is covered. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help the Red Cross prepare to assist Manitobans impacted by future disasters can go to www.redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.
 
The Red Cross does not accept donations of any items as it does not have the capacity and resources to handle and store goods. Anyone looking to donate items is asked to reach out to community groups in their area and not to take them to any hotels where evacuees are staying.
 
The Canadian Red Cross has a team of trained volunteers and staff who have the skills and resources to support evacuees in communities throughout Manitoba. Anyone who wants to volunteer to help with future disasters can go to www.redcross.ca or call 204-982-7330.
 

For more information please contact:
Canadian Red Cross Manitoba media line
(204) 982-7301