Kindersley, Sask. – As wildfires continue to rage across northern Saskatchewan, the Town of Kindersley has opened its doors and hearts to more than 275 evacuees, welcoming families in crisis with generosity, compassion and a firm Prairie handshake.
Dozens of displaced residents are now calling hotels in Kindersley their temporary home, including 80 Filipino evacuees staying at the Kindersley Inn. On Wednesday, volunteers from The Kitchen Corner served warm Filipino meals to those families, bringing a taste of home and a message of hope.
“In times like this, you never know what humanity can do,” said evacuees featured in a photo shared by the kitchen crew. “Kindness is powerful.”
The meal was made possible thanks to a generous family from Saskatoon, and served by AnthonYo C. Buenvenida and others from the local Filipino community. The simple act of breaking bread has become a powerful reminder of the strength of community—especially in small towns with big hearts.
Across town, efforts continue to support those uprooted by the wildfire crisis.
The West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre is collecting toys, games, puzzles and art supplies to help displaced children pass the time in cramped hotel rooms. Executive director Michelle Webber said the centre is focused on complementing provincial supports with items that bring comfort, distraction and stability.
“People were forced to leave with little more than the clothes on their backs,” said Webber. “It’s about creating a sense of safety and familiarity—especially for kids dealing with the trauma of displacement.”
Donations can be dropped off weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 105 Colton Drive.
Meanwhile, a community-wide clothing drive is set for Saturday, June 7, at the Elks Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Organizers are asking for clean, gently used clothing and footwear for all ages, along with new socks and underwear.
Kindersley’s food security network is also playing a role. FoodMesh Kindersley continues to provide free groceries at the Kindersley Christian Fellowship Church (800 12th Ave. E) every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m.
The hospitality extends beyond essential needs. The Sunset Theatre is offering free admission for evacuees, and organizations like the Kindersley Museum, Early Years Learning Centre, Co-op, and Alliance Church are inviting families to join in local programs and activities.
Jackie Delicious Delights also teamed up with Simplot last Friday to serve soup and bannock, sharing comfort food with those who needed it most.
Behind the scenes, multiple fire departments from across West Central Saskatchewan have mobilized to support the provincial wildfire response. The Kindersley Fire Department has two four-member crews on standby with a pumper and tender truck. The North Battleford Fire Department deployed a team of six with an engine truck, command unit and side-by-side ATV on June 3.
For those navigating services, officials stress the importance of registering with the appropriate support agencies. Evacuees can contact the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) at 1-855-559-5502 for assistance based on their current location. Those in other communities can register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582. Only one member per household needs to register.
Wolfe Den Inn and Suites has also stepped up by offering temporary shelter—even to those without SPSA-issued wristbands—while helping connect them with the proper resources. Some evacuees said they were told they’d need to drive six hours back to Prince Albert just to get those wristbands.
“We’re doing what we can,” one staff member said. “This isn’t about red tape. It’s about people.”
West Central Crisis Centre is also offering 24-hour trauma support to evacuees, helping those who are struggling to sleep, process stress or access other services. In partnership with SHA, local RCMP and the Town of Kindersley, the centre is helping coordinate efforts across agencies.
“The town has been phenomenal,” Webber said. “But we’re not the only ones. People are calling in from all over the region—Eston, Rosetown, Leader—asking how they can help.”
And that’s Saskatchewan for you: when the smoke rolls in, the community rolls up its sleeves.
For more information on how to donate or support local efforts, visit the Town of Kindersley website or westcentralonline.com