As many Albertans are reacting to the devastation of the Jasper wildfire, with many asking how they can donate, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is urging caution.
"The Better Business Bureau (BBB) expresses deep concern for the businesses, consumers, and residents affected by the wildfires in Jasper and environs in Alberta. Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we are committed to providing support and resources during this difficult time," The BBB stated in a news release.
The BBB advises residents that before they donate, they should always verify any charities and crowdfunding campaigns. This includes recommendations such as:
- Giving to individuals and organizations you know personally.
- Remember that photos don’t mean a campaign is legitimate. The BBB states on their website that Con artists often use pictures of victims without their permission to make donors believe the campaign is legitimate. This is especially true in the wake of a major tragedy.
- Remember that not all crowdfunding sites have the same rules.
- Transparency is key, which means that vague descriptions of how donated funds will be used are a big red flag. Trustworthy charities and individuals will clearly explain the intended use of collected funds.
- Avoiding duplicate efforts. The BBB urges residents to stay up to date on the latest news about victim support efforts. If government agencies offer to pay for healthcare or funeral costs, for example, any crowdfunding pages that offer the same assistance may have to ask donors if their funds can be used in an alternative way.
- Beware of emotional appeals and images. Scammers love to con people out of money by telling overly dramatic tales that elicit an emotional response. They usually pair their appeals with urgent pleas, saying they need the money right now. In addition, they may support their stories with heart-wrenching images.
- Protect your personal information. Before you make an online donation, make sure the charity’s website is secure (the web address should begin with https://) and that a privacy policy is in place regarding the use of your name, email and other personal data.
- Not all donations are tax deductible. In general, donations made to help a specifically identified individual or family are not deductible as a charity donation for federal income tax purposes. Also, if a nonprofit organization is soliciting donations, see if it is tax-exempt as a charity under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Reading the fine print. Besides the privacy policy, a website’s fine print will tell you under what conditions (if at all) donations will be refunded and how the site handles credit card and administrative fees.
- Consider donating on specialized crowdfunding websites.
The BBB is also urging residents to beware of scams and avoid unsolicited donation appeals, especially via email or social media. Scammers often exploit disasters to take advantage of compassionate individuals.
"Whenever possible, donate directly to established charities rather than through intermediaries to ensure your donation reaches those in need."
Established organizations that are currently looking for donations include The Canadian Red Cross. The organization stated that it has launched the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal to help people and communities impacted by wildfires in Alberta.
"Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for assisting those impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta."
People in Canada wishing to donate to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal can do so online at www.redcross.ca; as well as by calling 1-800-418-1111; or by texting ABFIRES to 45678 to donate $10.
Other well-known organizations helping with relief efforts also include Calgary-based, Samaritan's Purse.
Earlier this week the organization stated that at the request of British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, they were deploying a Canadian Disaster Relief team to set up and run a 100-bed group lodging facility in the Kamloops area. The team will provide safe accommodation and emotional support for wildfire evacuees.
"Places for people to stay are quickly filling up in nearby Alberta and British Columbia communities. Both provinces face the prospect of more evacuations as several severe fires burn out of control near population centers," the organization stated on its website.
"Our hearts are breaking for residents fleeing these fires," said Keith Waara, acting director of Canadian Disaster Relief for Samaritan’s Purse. "We are thankful to be able to help as many people as possible through this evacuation facility."
The Town of Banff, on their social media pages, have shared links to donate to the Rocky Mountain Community Relief Fund.
On Thursday night, Jasper National Park officials said that due to rain there had been, 'minimal fire behaviour and spread'. The Jasper Wildfire Complex is now estimated at 36,000 hectares.
"This precipitation will likely keep fire behaviour low for the next 72 hours. Crews will take advantage of this time to make as much progress as possible to suppress the wildfire and reduce further spread," officials said.
However, they underlined that while the rain is good news, warm weather is forecasted and will increase wildfire activity.
"Currently the Jasper Wildfire Complex poses no threat to neighbouring communities."
Earlier in the day, officials said that the incident Command was able to confirm that all critical infrastructure in Jasper was successfully protected including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.
During a provincial wildfire update, Premier Danielle Smith estimated that there may be anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent structural damage within the town of Jasper.
The fire also damaged a number of bridges around the town and throughout the national park, including the Moberly Bridge and the Old Fort Point Bridge. Bridges on the Icefields Parkway will need to be assessed for structural damage as well.
"These impacts will slow down access to the Maligne Lake and Highway 93 and it will take time for a full damage assessment to take place in these areas."
On Wednesday, driven by winds with gusts upwards of 100 kilometres an hour, the north and south fires both spread toward the town of Jasper and merged.
There are 176 wildfires currently burning across Alberta. Of these wildfires, 54 are classified as out of control, 49 are being held, and 73 are under control. Since July 24, there have been 20 new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area.
The province added that it currently has nearly 1,900 personnel, 156 helicopters and 21 aircraft responding to wildfires across the province.
"In addition to provincial resources, Alberta has imported firefighters, support staff and equipment from other jurisdictions to support wildfire response and suppression efforts.
Although lightning has caused more than half of wildfires burning today, the other half are caused by people. Albertans are urged to prevent any additional fire starts that will add to the already extreme wildfire situation.