Vaughan donates $15,000 to support the people of Fort McMurray
Funds will go to the
Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal
The City of Vaughan
announced a $15,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal
following a Council-endorsed member’s resolution introduced by Mayor Maurizio
Bevilacqua. The funds will come from proceeds of the Mayor’s Gala and Golf
Tournament to support the citizens of Fort McMurray, Alta. who have been forced
from their homes by wildfires.
The citizens of
Vaughan have experienced the effects of natural disasters with the 2009 tornado
and the 2013 ice storm, and empathize with the people of Fort McMurray. More
than 80,000 people have been evacuated and 2,400 homes and buildings have been
destroyed in the wildfires. The Province of Alberta has declared a state of
emergency based on the housing and community infrastructure crisis.
Mayor Bevilacqua’s
resolution also calls on the City of Vaughan to continue to communicate with
the mayor of Fort McMurray in order to determine other forms of assistance for
the rebuilding efforts in the town and the Regional Municipality of Wood
Buffalo.
QUOTE
“During times of crisis we
are reminded that when tragedy strikes one of us, it strikes us all. The
wildfires in Fort McMurray are devastating and now is the time for us to pull
together to help those who need it most. Thousands of Fort McMurray residents left with only the clothes on their back and the hope that
their homes would still be standing when they returned. I have spoken to Mayor
Melissa Blake to offer our assistance in the rebuilding efforts of her
community. The Mayor conveyed to me that she has been touched by the outpouring
of support Fort McMurray is receiving from people across the country and was
very appreciative of our efforts to personally reach out to help. I encourage the
people of our great city to support relief efforts in any way possible as Fort McMurray continues to battle the blaze and rebuild their
community.”
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- More than 80,000 people have been relocated in the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta's history.
- The Fort McMurray wildfire remains out of control. It is estimated to cover about 284,000 hectares.he Fort McMurray wildfire remains out of control. It is estimated to cover about 284,000 hectares.
- Currently, there are 1,919 firefighters, 161 helicopters, 377 pieces of heavy equipment and 29 air tankers battling the fires.
- Since 2011, the annual Mayor’s Gala and Golf Tournament have raised more than $3.3 million, with the proceeds going to support more than 100 not-for-profit and community groups.
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