The Government of Alberta issued the following press release on May 18, 2011:

Albertans reminded to donate carefully to wildfire disaster relief

Edmonton... Albertans donating to relief efforts in Alberta communities affected by wildfires are reminded to ensure they donate carefully and only to legitimate charitable organizations.

“Albertans are compassionate, generous people and it is very humbling to see them pulling together to help the residents of Slave Lake,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. “Unfortunately, there are also people who use any opportunity to take advantage of that generosity. A few simple steps can ensure your money actually goes to help those in need.”

Albertans being asked for a donation (either over-the-phone, through an e-mail request, or in person) should ensure the organization is a legitimate charity. They can do this by:

• asking door-to-door canvassers for identification or printed information about the charity;
• doing an Internet search for the charity’s name and background;
• asking telephone solicitors to provide a website address or to mail information; and,
• contacting Service Alberta to find out if a charity or fundraising organization is properly licensed or registered. Alberta’s Charitable Fundraising Act lays out specific rules that must be followed when charities ask Albertans for donations.

When making a donation, Albertans should avoid giving cash or using wire transfer services. Cheques should be made out to an organization, not an individual, and all receipts should be kept.

Donations made online should only be done on secure websites.

Caution should be used in responding to e-mail solicitations, particularly those that may appear to be coming from friends or family.

More information, including a tipsheet, is available on the Service Alberta website at www.servicealberta.ca or by calling 1-877-427-4088. Groups interested in fundraising can also find information about the rules governing charitable organizations.

They also reported:

The following reception centres continue to be in operation for residents in need of assistance:

• Westlock Community Hall, 10711-104 Ave. (www.westlock.ca, 780-349-8744)
• Athabasca Multiplex, #2 University Dr. (780-675-2967)
• Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515-118 Ave. (www.edmonton.ca, 780-442-5311)

Several other communities are operating small reception centres with limited capacity.

Reception centre services
A variety of services are being offered to evacuees at reception centres in Athabasca, Edmonton and Westlock, including:

• Meals and snacks
• Counseling and spiritual support services
• Children’s play areas and organized recreation activities
• Clothing, blankets and toiletries distribution
• Onsite medical assistance
• Pet centres with veterinary care
• Computers and internet access

Additionally, government staff will be at each site starting today and over the next few days to address medium- to long-term housing needs and other supports. Red Cross is working to address short-term housing needs.

Evacuees with alternate accommodations
All displaced residents should call the Red Cross Central Registration Inquiry Bureau to register their information at 1-800-565-4483. By registering, loved ones are able to check on the status and location of displaced residents.

Road closures
Travel in and around Slave Lake continues to be restricted for safety reasons:

• All access into Slave Lake is closed. Evacuation access out of Slave Lake is available on Highway 2 eastbound
• Highway 2 is closed west of Slave Lake from Highway 33 to the Town
• Highway 2 is closed east of Slave Lake to the Misue turnoff
• Highway 88 is closed north of Slave Lake up to Highway 986, located south of Red Earth Creek
• Highway 750 is closed from Highway 679 to Highway 88

Wildfire Road Closure Hotline: 780-644-5653 (to call toll-free, first dial 310-0000)