Canadians raised a lot of money to help Fort McMurray

May 14th, 2016  |  Canadian Business

The worst of a massive wildfire has passed through Fort McMurray this week forcing over 80,000 people to pick up and head for safety leaving their homes and possessions behind. As the damage is assessed and people try to figure out their next moves, donations from people across the country and the government will help evacuees get by this troubled time.

According to CBC, the Canadian Red Cross received about $67 million from donations in just the short time since the evacuation started. The Red Cross promptly passed $50 million of that money directly to evacuees who registered with the organization, giving $600 per adult and $300 per child. On top of that, the province handed out pre-loaded debit cards to evacuees with $1,250 per adult and $500 per child.

The money will go a long way to helping evacuees take care of living costs while trying to figure out next moves. With most of the fire now out of the city, the focus is now on recovery and rebuilding. Insurance companies have already been processing claims, and those who have home insurance policies will at least be secure in the knowledge that they will be able to have their homes and most of their possessions replaced.