The federal government will be matching all donations made to the Canadian Red Cross to help with the recovery from devastating wildfires that have ripped through communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The donation matching period will be open for 30 days, retroactive to when the campaign was first launched on August 14th.
The funds will be used to help people in the affected areas, including those that have been evacuated.
Fisheries Minister and St. John’s East MP Joanne Thompson could not provide any specifics on how much has been raised so far, as that information would fall under the purview of the Canadian Red Cross.
As for what other forms of compensation will be available for those affected and who have lost their homes, Thompson says those conversations are ongoing.
Thompson has been speaking with the minister of emergency preparedness on a regular basis. She says they will provide support for families, but what that looks like will evolve over time as they get a handle on the level of devastation caused.
Anyone who would like to donate to the campaign can do so through the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
Businesses also stepping up
Meanwhile, Imperial Oil says to support ongoing relief efforts, they’re matching employee donations on a two to one basis, allowing them to contribute $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross and another $50,000 to the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.
And, the request for assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Coast Guard has been extended until August 29th, with both of those groups continuing to provide assistance.
