Our union has joined the huge number of Canadians who are opening their hearts and their wallets to the plight of the citizens displaced by the massive firestorm engulfing Fort McMurray, Alberta.
The National Executive submitted an application for a $5,000 donation from our Social Justice Fund to the Red Cross ‘Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal’ fund. Our contribution will support registration, shelter and feeding of the fleeing population, as well as helping to provide trauma counselling for those who have seen their lives upended.
Canadians across the country have watched in awe and horror as the unprecedented natural disaster has caused the almost total evacuation of the city of 80,000. While there have thankfully been no direct deaths as yet, the task of housing and supporting tens of thousands of fleeing residents is a huge and costly undertaking.
While valiant efforts by firefighters have saved much of the city infrastructure, it will be months before its inhabitants can return. And, on that return, they will likely find that the firestorm has blanketed their homes in caustic ash and toxic heavy metals.
Our thoughts go out to the brave people of Fort McMurray. The Agriculture Union is pleased to be able to make a small contribution to the rebuilding of their lives.