Ken Martell said he lived and worked in Fort McMurray for many years and feels a need to help.
Fort McMurray has fed me and put clothes on my back as it has for so many people in Atlantic Canada, he said.
So what he and a group of others who want to help are doing is getting a trailer donated by Conners Transfer. Their goal is to fill it with donations that can be trucked out west.
The trailer is located off Exit 20 on Hwy 4 at a workshop building just past Magic Valley. He said they are following the recommendations of those in Alberta who are assisting those affected. Suggested items include: new toiletries, socks, underwear, pillows, blankets, basic clothing (shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts). Other items they suggest include pet food, baby food, diapers, wipes, other bedding.
“We believe in the coming days and weeks, families are going to need to replace household items lost, whatever items we use daily but wouldn’t have if we had to flee our home in a hurry to keep our family safe, like Band-Aids, shampoo, towels, face clothes, flashlights, etc.” Martell said.
He’s also hoping volunteers will come forward to help sort and pack donations.
Those interested in helping can contact Martell by phone at (902) 331-1737 or email at [email protected].
Martell isn’t sure exactly when he will send the trailer. He said it all depends on how much comes in. He’s also asking local trucking companies to see if one will donate a truck and driver to take the items out west.
He is also looking at setting up something with an accounting office so if people want to make a financial donation they can.
“If people choose to donate money, I want them to know that we have an accounting firm looking after their money.”
