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Financial support for wildfire evacuees in Saskatchewan is flowing in for the Saskatchewan Day of Caring radiothon.
The Canadian Red Cross reported at 11:50 a.m. that they have collected $222,879.50 in donations from the radiothon to aid those impacted by the wildfires across the province. This total includes a $100,000 matching sponsor from Nutrien Ag and a $25,000 donation from Saskatoon Co-op.
The federal government is matching all donations from the radiothon, but this is not included in the total raised.
Glenn Rogers, Saskatchewan Content Lead for Golden West Broadcasting, helped organize the radiothon that includes 37 radio stations and 17 online news outlets. He said it's nice to see tax dollars from the federal government returning to Saskatchewan.
"It's in an incentivized way," he said. "As we make donations personally, with our family, or with our businesses, the government will be there to match that."
Shaunavon's Ty Hunter, a member of the Hunter Brothers, urged the public to participate in the radiothon and help the over 10,500 people from more than 3,700 homes displaced due to the wildfires.
"My heart is with everyone here in Saskatchewan affected by the wildfires," he said. "Please join me in supporting the Red Cross and the Saskatchewan Day of Caring. Every donation helps provide shelter, food, and hope to those who need it most."
Funds raised Thursday for the Canadian Red Cross Saskatchewan 2025 Wildfire Appeal will be used for immediate and ongoing relief for those impacted by the wildfires, including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them. The funding will also be used for recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, supporting community preparedness, and risk reduction in the future.
"The Red Cross has set up congregate shelter locations throughout the province, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Regina," said Luc Mullinder, VP of Canadian Red Cross for Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Nunavut. "Those are designed to people with the resources they need, Sask Health, St. John's Ambulance, food services, showers, and bathrooms. Have them be able to rest and wait there while we try and find an available hotel space."
If you're able to help wildfire evacuees, text RADIO to 45678 to make a $10 donation, or visit the Canadian Red Cross donation page here.