Canada’s fierce fire season has burned nearly 10 million acres and displaced more than 20,000 people. Many have managed to return home, but others are still stranded away from their communities.
The federal and provincial governments have pledged to match donations to the Canadian Red Cross for those affected by the wildfires in Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, raising more than $32 million total to date.
Other fundraising efforts have popped up from Canadian figures, such as Shawn Mendes, who released a song on Friday who wrote this week in response to the fires. She said he too would donate to the Red Cross.
Here are ways to help:
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The Canadian Red Cross: Every $1 donated to the Canadian Red Cross will become $3 to support those affected by the fires. The funds will be directed to people living in Nova Scotia and other Atlantic provinces, some of the hardest-hit areas, for immediate and ongoing relief and recovery efforts, as well as community preparedness initiatives.
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United way: The Canadian federal government has joined the Government of the Northwest Territories in a similar matching program to support disaster relief and recovery efforts. The funds will be used to support non-profit community groups that are helping local residents.
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Donate a mask: This volunteer-run charity ships equivalent N95 masks free of charge to anyone in Canada who requests them, with priority given to Canadians who cannot afford or do not have access to high-quality masks.
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Firefighters Without Borders: This Ontario-based nonprofit donates equipment and training to communities across Canada and beyond.
