A harrowing wild fire
tragedy in Slave Lake, Alberta last week that left thousands of
residents homeless, led disaster relief officials to approach
Northlands for assistance. Officials requested an urgent need to
provide immediate shelter for hundreds of displaced Slave Lake
residents. The pressing need prompted Northlands to immediately mobilize
staff and secure an environment within the Edmonton EXPO Centre and
provide refuge space for evacuees.
The entire town of
Slave Lake and surrounding areas were evacuated when the fire started,
leaving approximately 10,000 people in need of shelter. As the hours
wore on, heavy winds stoked the wildfires leaving more than one third
of the town destroyed – slated as the worst fire disaster the province
has ever seen. Edmonton was one of four locations in Alberta chosen to
set up a reception centre to aid the victims.
Northlands,
as the host venue, opened its doors to several community agencies
including the Edmonton Emergency Relief Centre, the Red Cross, Alberta
health Services, the Salvation Army, St. John’s Ambulance and the
Edmonton Humane Society. Together, the groups developed and implemented
a receiving plan to provide evacuees with lodging, meals, medical
services, blankets and personal hygiene items, counseling and care
facilities for displaced pets. An internet café, phone services and
televisions were also set up for evacuees.
“We had the
potential to immediately house approximately 300 people and stepping up
to serve our community was just the right thing to do,” said Richard L.
Andersen, President and CEO, Northlands. “Comfort and safety of those
who have been displaced is a top priority and we have been doing
everything we possibly can with our partners to ensure we can provide a
safe place and ensure that their basic needs are satisfied.”
There
has been a very compassionate and heartfelt response from the
community to help victims of the Slave Lake Wildfires disaster. At this
point Northlands continues to work in a supportive role to assist in
hosting the Reception Centre with its partners in the community. “When
tragedy strikes, people need help, and as a community, we all have a
responsibility to support those who need our help.”
Over
one thousand evacuees registered for services at the Edmonton EXPO
Centre Reception Centre and over 200 people, including young children
and the elderly, have been lodged overnight. Throughout the week,
Northlands continued to provide hot meals, snacks and a continuous
supply of water and beverages for the evacuees.
At the Edmonton
EXPO Centre approximately 120 displaced pets were also kept safe in
cooperation with the Edmonton Humane Society, with hopes that most of
the animals will be reunited with their owners.
Officials
set up information booths at the Reception Centre, and by the end of
the week hundreds of people attended the Edmonton EXPO to speak with
representatives about jobs, housing and assistance. As of Sunday, May 22
(a week later), more permanent housing solutions were in place for the
evacuees and the information centre was relocated to official
quarters.
Individuals and organizations that wish to
provide assistance are asked to contribute by calling Red Cross at
1-800-418-1111 or online at redcross.ca.