As wildfires continue to burn across the province, a local foundation is stepping up to help out.
The Asper Foundation, alongside the Rady Jewish Community Centre, have pledged $25,000 in weekly aid to go towards essentials for evacuees.
"We are deeply grateful to the organizations and volunteers who have stepped up to help," said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. "But donor fatigue is real, and we cannot rely on the same groups to carry this burden alone. We need new partners, new donors, and renewed compassion. The fires have not stopped – and neither has the suffering."
More than 19,000 First Nations evacuees have now registered with the Canadian Red Cross, with many arriving with just the shirt on their back. Two more communities were evacuated this week, and more than 3,000 new evacuees are expected, with that number growing by the day.
"You see the smoke in the south,” said Grand Chief Settee. "But in the north, our people are fleeing flames. This is not just a northern crisis, it’s a Manitoba crisis."
To help provide evacuees with some much-needed items, the Asper Foundation, in conjunction with Rady Jewish Community Centre, has partnered with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and will provide $25,000 per week towards immediate needs, including non-perishable food items, baby formula, blankets, toys and entertainment for children.
"Our family is proud to stand with and support our fellow Manitobans in this time of great need, and we urge others to do the same", said Gail Asper, Chair of The Asper Foundation.
Anyone interested in making donations towards the needs of evacuees is encouraged to contact MKO.