United Way NWT sends aid to wildfire-hit communities in Prairies

The charity United Way NWT says it is donating to funds that support communities in the Prairies hit by wildfires in recent weeks.

In the past, the territory’s United Way chapter has organized and distributed cash and other resources for NWT communities affected by fires.

Now, the group said in a Tuesday press release, it is donating to Saskatoon United Way’s fire evacuee fund and the Canadian Red Cross Manitoba wildfires appeal, to help communities like Flin Flon and La Ronge.

“In 2023, when wildfires devastated our communities and forced thousands of people across the Northwest Territories to evacuate, our response and recovery efforts were made possible thanks to the outpouring of support from Canadians across the country,” United Way NWT chair Ben Linaker was quoted as saying.

“Now, as communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan face the same hardship, we feel it is important to stand in solidarity with our northern neighbours and offer support in their time of need.

“We understand how difficult this work can be and how vital financial support is. We encourage residents of the NWT, and partners across our networks, to join us in supporting the people of Flin Flon, La Ronge and all communities currently being threatened by wildfires as they navigate this challenging moment and begin the path to recovery.”