NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO WILDFIRE SUPPORT
Photo by Denis Bresolin
Behind the haze are communities facing evacuation, families coping with uncertainty, people grieving loss, and firefighters working tirelessly to protect lives and landscapes.
As we witness these scenes from afar, it’s a reminder that wildfire seasons are becoming more intense and more complex. Whether driven by climate change, weather extremes, or other factors, the impacts are being felt by people across our region.
Over the past weeks, those impacted and forced to evacuate their homes have been in our thoughts. We’ve compiled a list of ways to support evacuees below.
Know a resource not listed? Fill out the contact form at the end of let us know.
The Anishinabek Nation is accepting donations on behalf of Namaygoosisagagun First Nation (Collins Lake) to help the community navigate through this crisis. Financial contributions will assist with emergency supplies, temporary shelter, and essential resources, while clothing donations will support those who have lost their belongings.
Donations can be made via e-transfer to an7gc@anishinabek.ca, by credit card through PayPal, or Canada Helps with further information at https://an7gc.ca/donate/.
Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity
You can directly support members of Whitesand First Nation who have been affected by the wildfire by donating via e-transfer to donations@whitesandfirstnation.com and including your first and last name in the comment section in order to be issued a receipt for tax purposes.
Whitesand First Nation
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is providing emergency food, water, and children's clothing to families affected by the wildfires. Indigenous families with children who need support due to an evacuation are encouraged to contact them directly at info@mikinakoos.com.
Due to the scale of this emergency, they are extending support beyond their traditional service areas, and if you wish to donate to Mikinakoos's emergency fund, visit their website here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E351926QE&id=32&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn7DS7n_UkwN6xE4Vl1T246wbF1W2v_ogvpChMZS5E-b7uG94r6PbsWNh8Vhw_aem_MVRIMbrnIWPquhBXRAYcyQ
Mikinakoos Emergency Fund
Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund
This fund coordinated by United Way Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Community Foundation will provide support to front-line agencies and service providers responding to the immediate needs of affected communities, including many First Nation communities experiencing prolonged evacuation and displacement—while also investing in longer-term recovery efforts as those communities begin to rebuild.
Donations will support food, essential supplies, and emergency assistance, transportation and community outreach, mental health and wellness supports, front-line agencies and service providers assisting evacuees and affected communities, and longer-term community recovery and resilience initiatives.
For more information or to donate, visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/northwestern-ontario-wildfire-community-support-fund
Donation Drop-Offs
Nuna Logistics Limited, 670 Beaverhall Place (instead of Superior Inn as they are at capacity)
Nokiiwin Tribal Council, 384 Fort William Road, Side Door
The Landmark Inn, 1010 Dawson Road
Lakehead University Residences, 955 Oliver Road
Matawa Training and Wellness Centre, 523 Algoma Street North (Left Entrance)
Dilico, 131 Archibald Street North
Goods & Co. Market, 251 Red River Road
Photo by Leah Morningstar