More wildfire support for community groups approved by United Way

The United Way of Fort McMurray’s Board of Directors has approved more wildfire recovery support for organizations in our community, all coming from the Fire Recovery Fund.

On Tuesday night the board approved a move to ensure the Fort McMurray Heritage Society, Some Other Solutions and the MS Society will all receive a boost through the fund.

“We continue to respond to short-term needs related to the impacts from the wildfires and evacuation,” said John Evans, Chair of the Community Investment Committee. “We recognize that the disaster had an impact on social profit organizations. Their needs are each unique and important to our community’s ability to recover. The generosity of Canadians and Albertans has given us the ability to help.”

Funds were formally approved for summer camps that took place at Heritage Park over the summer, eliminating financial barriers and ensuring access to a healthy activity during the re-entry phase.

An additional investment has been approved to increase awareness of 211 as an effective conduit to recovery services and supports. You can dial 211 from any phone to connect with services available in the community not just for recovery but for assistance at any time.

The MS Society will also be receiving support to ensure the continued delivery of their programs to clients living with Multiple Sclerosis.

These new approvals bring the total to almost 34-percent of Fire Recovery pledges received having been either invested, committed or are under review. All requests that had been received by the end of last week have been reviewed and approved.

The Fire Recovery Funding support application is available at fmunitedway.com.

Examples of impacts of Fire Recovery funding to date: