Over 310 Evacuees Registered in Cold Lake

Support for people displaced from Fort McMurray by wildfires continues to mount as evacuees are steadily coming to the check-in centre for help registering with the Canadian Red Cross.

Over 310 people were registered by Friday afternoon. Due to the steady traffic, the Check-in Centre will be open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 7. If needed, Sunday hours will be announced on the City’s website and social media accounts.

“The Check-in Centre has seen steady traffic and has been an excellent initial point of contact so that our staff can help hear about people’s needs and help put them in touch with individuals or groups offering the help they require,” City of Cold Lake Chief Administrative Officer, Kevin Nagoya, said. “Our staff at FCSS has experience in dealing with wildfire evacuees and experience in getting people the help they need – they are perfectly placed for this type of work and they are doing a commendable job.”

Evacuees can register online at www.redcross.ca. If they do not have access to the internet, there are computers available at the Cold Lake and District FCSS Check-in Centre. Staff at FCSS are also monitoring an online list and helping to connect evacuees in need of items with people who are offering them, including baby supplies, clothing and housing.

A number of community groups and countless individuals are also offering the evacuees support and donations.

People wanting to donate cash can donate to the Canadian Red Cross, or to the Cold Lake Food Bank, which has set up a bank account to buy food and toiletries for people in Cold Lake displaced by the wildfires. People wanting to make a cash donation should make cheques out to “Cold Lake Food Bank”. People can reference Fort McMurray if they would like to ensure the money is earmarked for the effort to support evacuees.

The Cold Lake Food Bank is also taking donations of a specific list of items for evacuees. All items must be new – used items will not be accepted. The acceptable donations are: unperishable food items, deodorant, shaving products, Kleenex, feminine hygiene products, underwear, socks, hair brushes, hair ties, basic first aid supplies, gift cards, gas cards, phone chargers and basic school supplies.

All people wanting to donate to the foodbank can contact the Cold Lake Food Bank at 780-201-6589. Evacuees requiring aid from the Cold Lake Food Bank can call the same number.

“The support shown by people in this community is amazing,” Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland said. “I could not be more proud to be a Cold Laker than I am now. To see how everyone has stood up in the face of this disaster – especially the evacuees themselves – is a humbling experience.”

The Cold Lake and District FCSS Check-In Centre is located at 5220 – 54 Street, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm and can be contacted at 780-594-4494 or via email at fcss@coldlake.com

*Press Release from the City of Cold Lake