As thousands of wildfire evacuees continue to seek refuge in communities across the province, Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert has launched a grassroots initiative to connect local residents with displaced families now staying in Winkler, Morden, and surrounding areas.
Recognizing the urgent need for support, MLA Hiebert opened her constituency office in Winkler as a central drop-off location for donations of essential items. Many evacuees, she explains, had to leave their homes with little to no notice, arriving with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
“These are families staying in hotels, with friends, in campgrounds—many of them left with nothing,” said MLA Hiebert. “We want them to feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. That’s what our community does.”
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A simple request
The initiative began with a simple social media post outlining needed items like socks, microwaveable meals, diapers, toiletries, and soft blankets. The response was immediate.
“I’ve seen people walk in with bags of food, Avon products, new toothbrushes, body wash—just random acts of kindness from complete strangers,” she shared, adding that several businesses have also shown their support.
MLA Hiebert has been working closely with local hotels, including the Best Western, and has spoken directly with evacuees to find out what they need most. Some requests are practical—microwave-safe meals, reusable plates and cups, new underwear, and diapers, gift cards. Others are about comfort and dignity—personal hygiene items, cozy blankets, and children’s drinks or snacks that can fit in a mini fridge.
“We’re focusing on new items to help give a sense of dignity,” she said. “It’s about saying, ‘You matter, and we see you.’”
Volunteers are sorting and delivering donated items directly to evacuee families.
‘They didn’t choose to leave home’
Hiebert also addressed some of the criticism or confusion she’s heard.
“Sometimes people ask, ‘Why do they need help?’ But these families didn’t choose to leave home. They’re in a new place where they don’t know anyone. So, let’s be the kind of community that shows up with open arms and extra kindness.”
In MLA Hiebert’s words: “If it’s on your heart to give, bring it by. Together, we can be the bridge between our community and those who need us most.”
Those wishing to contribute are encouraged to bring new items such as:
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Throw blankets, fuzzy blankets
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Socks and underwear
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Microwaveable meals, or meals suited for a hotel room
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Reusable cups, plates and forks
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Fresh items for children that can fit in a hotel mini-fridge
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Gift cards
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Feminine hygiene products
The drop-off location is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at MLA Carrie Hiebert’s Winkler office, 347 4th Street, Winkler.