The wildfire that is scorching Fort McMurray, Alberta is hitting close to home for several Chatham-Kent residents.
The phone has been ringing off the hook at the local branch of the Canadian Red Cross with dozens of people offering to help.
"A lot of people are saying, 'I had family there' or 'I used to work there,'" says Community Services Coordinator Janet Brunschot. "A lot of people went out west for work and that was one of the main areas... there is very much a personal contact with a lot of people knowing somebody who lives there."
Brunschot says she has also been getting a lot of people offering to donate goods and materials, but the Canadian Red Cross is only accepting cash donations.
"What we prefer to do, is make sure the cash gets to the local area," says Brunschot. "It spurs the economy in that area and things that are bought with that money are bought to meet specific needs."
Two members of the Canadian Red Cross in Chatham-Kent are also on standby, ready to be called into action at a moment's notice if they are needed. Brunschot says one of the members would provide logistical support, while the other would be in charge of a shelter.
You can support the Canadian Red Cross' efforts in Fort McMurray by texting REDCROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation. Or by clicking here.
