The Adult and Teen Challenge campus in Steinbach has welcomed a number of evacuees who fled the wildfires in Saskatchewan.
In the aftermath of one of Manitoba’s most destructive wildfire seasons in recent memory, communities across the north are facing devastation—none more so than the people connected to the Teen Challenge locations in Denare Beach and Flin Flon. Al Legore, Regional Director for both sites, is among those now displaced and waiting in uncertainty as flames continue to ravage the region.
Denare Beach centre lost to wildfires
The fire has deeply impacted not only the Teen Challenge programs but the very community in which they operate. Rumours circulated that Legore’s own home may have been among the losses. When asked directly, his answer was cautious, but heavy with the weight of uncertainty.
“We don’t know, but it’s looking that way,” he said quietly. “The reports aren’t clear yet because people can’t even... it’s so hot and the fire is still burning, that it’s hard to know what is gone, what is not gone yet. We know that our center is burned... and there is definitely a chance that our camp, where our house was, was burned, but we don’t know until we get clear reports.”
The situation remains fluid and dangerous. “Our community has lost a lot,” Legore said. “A lot of people lost homes, so it’s devastating for sure for everyone.”
Teen Challenge students moved to Steinbach centre
Legore and his team were among those evacuated. Their current focus is the safety and well-being of students and staff, many of whom have been relocated to the Steinbach Teen Challenge Centre. “We moved our staff and our students down into the Steinbach area, and so they’re all safe... but we have a few staff that are in different spots [and] once we know what we’re looking at, then we’ll have a better picture of what we have to do.”
Hard to imagine
Even as the skies fill with smoke in Manitoba the severity of the northern fires can be hard to imagine.
“It’s just very hard to breathe. And it was just really scary because to get out of there they have to drive through some pretty bad situations. It’s hard to imagine with those high winds, how quickly that fire moved. This fire actually was on the west side of our lake, which meant most of us didn’t think that [we were in] danger until these huge west winds came. And they actually made the fire jump from island to island, all the way across into our community.”
“I’ve never seen fire jump like that...” he added. “It’s hard to even fathom.”
A home for Teen Challenge
Teen Challenge operates two key facilities in the area: a main campus and a nearby camp. “From what we’re seeing on the fire maps, it doesn’t look good,” Legore admitted. “But I do know one thing is that [Teen Challenge's] work is vital and regardless, we will continue to try get back in and rebuild... do whatever we have to to keep touching lives.”
With the students now safe but their home base in question, the financial reality is beginning to take shape. “Financially, it’s taking a burden on everybody.”
Supporters are already praying and looking for ways to contribute. “Prayer is vital,” Legore said, “but we really could use some help right now as well and into the future."
'Denare Beach is such a beautiful location'
The potential loss is more than logistical—it’s emotional and deeply personal. “Denare Beach is such a beautiful location,” Legore said. “Our whole community has lost their homes. It’s devastating. It breaks your heart just to know your community is being so devastated.”
Legore spoke of neighbours checking in on each other, people encouraging one another even amid the unknown. “People are calling each other and just encouraging each other. And we’ve been doing the same... all you can do right now is to continue to encourage people to get through this.”
Despite the trauma, Legore expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. “We just really appreciate everybody—you know, their support, their love. People are taking care of others all over the place. Our Adult and Teen Challenge head office has just been loving on us and supporting us through this. It’s just amazing, you know, how it pulls all of us together.”
Even now, with the future unclear, Legore’s message is filled with hope and resilience: “No matter what, regardless of how devastating this all is, lives can be saved, and buildings can be rebuilt. We just need to all work together to move this forward. We’re excited about whatever is to come. God will give us the strength to achieve it for sure.”
Legore says help is needed, prayers are welcome, and the mission continues. “Thank you... We so appreciate it.”
How You Can Help
Donations for Adult & Teen Challenge Manitoba’s northern programs can make a direct impact during this difficult season. Your support helps provide housing, food, and care for displaced students and staff, and helps rebuild what has been lost.
To give, visit their website.