Donations to help those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfires topped 50 million dollars on Monday.
In Ottawa fundraising efforts are ramping up with events planned from large corporations to small community groups.
Students from the primary special needs program at Bridlewood Community Elementary School are going to be hosting a bake sale on Thursday May 12th. They will be selling cookies for a minimum donation of 25 cents and giving all proceeds to the Red Cross.
“I thought it was a nice way to give what they have and use their skills to make them feel like they’re a part of something really big,” said Victoria Little, a teacher at the school.
While the students prepare for their bake sale, Ottawa’s sports community is coming up with their own ways to help with relief efforts.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are uniting with the eight other CFL teams in donating $50,000 to the Red Cross.
It is a touching move for head coach Rick Campbell, who has close ties to Alberta, spending time in Calgary and Edmonton.
“It breaks your heart to see people in that devastation but the thing I’ve always liked about Canadians is they step up and rise to the challenge and know we have each other’s back,” said Campbell.
Another sports figure getting involved with relief efforts is Senators’ Chris Phillips, who grew up in Fort McMurray.
For the entire month of May, Phillips’ restaurant Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery will be donating a portion of the proceeds from food sold to Alberta.
“The community did a lot for me and my family to help me where I got to today and I definitely feel a responsibility to give back,” said Phillips.
If you have items you are looking to donate the Kanata Little League will be collecting clothing and other items on Sunday May 15th.
“We’re looking clothing...toiletries, new toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, cream, feminine products,” said Paul O’Kane, the leagues president.
O’kane has teamed up with community groups including Project Purse and Project Ottawa to collecting the items Sunday. They will be set up in Sensplex parking lot from 9a.m. until 2p.m.
You can also donate through the Red Cross directly by calling 1-800-418-1111 or text Red Cross to 3-0-3-3-3 to donate 5 dollars.