As wildfires rage in Fort McMurray, Alta., forcing the emergency evacuation of 80,000 residents, BC Liquor Stores customers can support Red Cross relief efforts there by donating at stores throughout the province.

Starting today, BC Liquor Stores customers can donate $2, $5 or more to help the Red Cross in Alberta reunite family members, provide evacuees with shelter, food and water, and later, assist with longer-term needs as the community rebuilds.

A massive wildfire started spreading in the Fort McMurray region earlier this week, threatening more than a dozen nearby communities, destroying property and forcing residents to flee their homes. After a mandatory evacuation order was issued yesterday, officials estimate as many as 1,600 homes and buildings have been destroyed – in an area spanning 10,000 hectares.

Donations made to the Red Cross in BC Liquor Stores from April 27 through May 3, 2016, will be directed to Ecuador earthquake recovery efforts, as originally planned.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“British Columbia knows all too well the devastation of wildfires, and our thoughts are with Fort McMurray during this difficult time. By donating to the Red Cross at BC Liquor Stores, British Columbians are doing our part to support everyone impacted by the fire and ensure they will have a strong recovery.”

Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, BC Liquor Distribution Branch –

“We are proud of our partnership with the Red Cross, and the generosity always shown by our customers and employees during times of crisis. By collecting donations at BC Liquor Stores, we’re providing an easy way for people to reach out and help our neighbours in Alberta.”

Quick facts:

• BC Liquor Stores' customers and employees have supported Red Cross disaster relief for humanitarian crises at home and abroad since 2003, when stores first collected donations to support victims affected by catastrophic wildfires raging in British Columbia.
• Since then, more than $2 million has been raised for Red Cross humanitarian crises in Nepal, Haiti, Pakistan, Japan, Africa and Syria, as well as for disaster relief efforts in New Orleans and Alberta.
• In 2013, BC Liquor Stores collected more than $170,000 for Alberta Flood Relief.