Today, June 5th, is Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees with broadcasters across the province joining together to support those displaced and evacuated due to the fires raging across parts of Manitoba.
As wildfires continue to threaten communities, AM1250, Country 107, and MIX 96 will be giving Manitobans the opportunity to show their care and concern.
Funds raised today during the Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees will go directly to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal. The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba will match donations to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal from today through June 27th. That means every $1 donated today will become $3 to support the families and individuals most affected by the wildfires.
"We are working closely with the Government of Manitoba and Indigenous Services Canada to support the thousands of people coming to Winnipeg and Brandon," said Laura Ellis with the Canadian Red Cross who is working at a reception site in Winnipeg. "The Red Cross is supporting people with registration, emergency accommodations, information and hygiene kits."
How to Get Involved:
- Donate to the Red Cross here: https://give.redcross.ca/page/25MWFA-MBDAYOFCARING
- Or text the word RADIO to 20222 to donate $10
- Share via social media using #MBDayOfCaring
It's estimated about 17,000 people have been evacuated to date. Manitoba remains in a provincewide state of emergency due to spreading wildfires, with the majority of the province under extreme fire danger. The Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to respond to 27 active wildfires, a total of 111 wildfires to date, well above average for this date of 88 total fires. The provincial state of emergency is in effect until June 26th.
Fouzia Bazid is a site Manager for the Canadian Red Cross in Winnipeg.
"We are here receiving many communities that have evacuated from the wildfires," she explained. "We are registering them here, making sure they have a bed, we also have food for them, so we're making sure all their needs are answered. We clearly see there is a lot of stress and trauma that happens, because this is not their first evacuation. To see a familiar face with our red (vests), that gives them comfort."
Congregate shelters have been set up in Winnipeg, Thompson, Winkler, and Portage la Prairie. Provincial emergency social services are working with partners to ensure evacuees from northern Manitoba are able to find shelter. As of June 2nd, the Canadian Red Cross had registered more than 14,300 people from over 5,400 evacuated households.
Manitoba Day Of Caring For Wildfire Evacuees is a collaborative effort that will see radio stations across Manitoba dedicating airtime throughout the day to raise funds and awareness for those impacted by the 2025 Manitoba wildfires. You can join us in supporting those in need by clicking here.
More than thirty radio stations from Brandon to Steinbach, Winnipeg to Winkler and pretty much everywhere in between are participating in the Day of Caring.