The generosity of the Athabasca community has turned up around every street corner during the past few days.
Those staying at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex who fled the devastating fires in and around Slave Lake have been inundated with donations, so much so that some officials have at times been asking that people put a temporary halt to what can only be described as a surge of benevolence.
“We can’t handle them,” confessed Athabasca County manager Gary Buchanan. “So we’re asking people not to donate anything in terms of a physical component. If they’d like to donate, we will accept financial contributions here at the county or you can make them through the Red Cross.”
The outpouring of generosity from the community amazes Alberta Government spokesperson Nikki Booth, who has been brought in to help organize and make clear what is most needed in terms of contributions.
“The amount of donations is just astounding,” she said.
As of last Wednesday, Booth iterated that there were four items that topped their priority list when it came to donations.
“They’re looking for unopened underwear for adults and children in all sizes. We’re basically running out of that here. That’s the top priority … in a close second to that would be toiletries … shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant.”
Water and juice boxes are also a main concern, with gas cards rounding out the list of four.
Booth is asking that anyone who wished to contribute items in addition to the four that currently take precedence – underwear, toiletries, water and juice and gas cards – to please fax the list to the multiplex prior to dropping them off so that officials can contact you and be aware of what’s coming.
The fax number for the multiplex is 780-675-2703.
“Some other concerns we’re hearing,” added Buchanan, “are getting education for the school kids.”
Not to worry.
Aspen View Public Schools is the mastermind behind a temporary school, which has been set up at Athabasca University.
Bringing in instructors and teaching materials, Aspen View is helping to keep students from Grades K-12 from falling too far behind in their studies.
Athabasca University’s manager of media relations John O’Brien confirmed that approximately 45 displaced students who are staying at the multiplex are taking advantage of the schooling.
The classes were expected to run until May 20, when school officials were to reassess the need.
During a meeting at the county office on the morning of May 16, county councilors passed a motion to approve a fire ban in Athabasca County. The ban is now in place throughout the province.
County officials also received a briefing on the Ellscott fire, which is roughly 16 km southwest of Boyle.
“That fire is being held. The guys are just finishing it off so that they can actually put it out.”
Out of 87 fires currently burning in Alberta, 23 are considered out of control.
