Fort Mac Wildfire Thread

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by polak

Yeah how dare they help non-albertans.

This attitude is exactly why you see the stupid FB posts from people outside of Alberta. You are the problem.

A little over the top, no?

I honestly don't know if it will be diverted, but I really doubt it. It's specifically for Fort Mac, they aren't supposed to be able to divert it elsewhere.

This on top of the idea that Red Cross would get destroyed really fast if Ottawa and Corporate matching money is siphoned away from the cause it was intended for.

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

https://www.facebook.com/CTVEdmonton...68211/?fref=nf

That's insane.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Also, wind appears to be blowing from the NW, which is good for keeping it away from HL.

Just found some twitter accounts to follow. The latest one I saw said no homes damaged yet. If it's going west of the OSB plant, there's not a ton of people living in those areas, it's mostly bush, so I suppose that's a small silver lining. It's more east and north that things will get dicey in terms of people and loss of buildings, etc.

[Kavvy]

Originally Posted by HockeyIlliterate

I think this was asked upthread, but I never saw an answer:

Is it confirmed that all money raised/donated to the Red Cross for this disaster will be used solely in Alberta and in regards to providing assistance for this disaster?

I would be extremely disappointed if the money (especially the government-match money) ends up being "reallocated" by the Red Cross to go to, say, a Tsunami relief program in Singapore.

Despite any backlash you are getting, I also get where you are coming from.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know that the RCMP and the Prime Minster have said the red cross is the best place to donate, so that is a strong vouche of support!

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by HockeyIlliterate

I think this was asked upthread, but I never saw an answer:

Is it confirmed that all money raised/donated to the Red Cross for this disaster will be used solely in Alberta and in regards to providing assistance for this disaster?

I would be extremely disappointed if the money (especially the government-match money) ends up being "reallocated" by the Red Cross to go to, say, a Tsunami relief program in Singapore.

Originally Posted by DoubleF

A little over the top, no?

I honestly don't know if it will be diverted, but I really doubt it. It's specifically for Fort Mac, they aren't supposed to be able to divert it elsewhere.

This on top of the idea that Red Cross would get destroyed really fast if Ottawa and Corporate matching money is siphoned away from the cause it was intended for.

I look at it this way. Their coffers are being or will be emptied responding to this situation.

This is me filling it back up.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by jschick88

Katie Summers ‏@katiessummers 11 minutes ago
The Calgary Firefighters Toy Association dropped off a TON of bikes this AM! Amazing! #ymm #yyc

So it's the nephews third birthday tomorrow. How crass would it be to ask Amp to hook me up? Would love a handful of things to tide them over for the next week or so here. But I really don't want to be a PIMking here.

[HockeyIlliterate]

Originally Posted by polak

Yeah how dare they help non-albertans.

This attitude is exactly why you see the stupid FB posts from people outside of Alberta. You are the problem.

Red Cross doesn't just put supplies aside for each incident. What if people donate more than needed? You want them to throw it away?

Wow.

So instead of answering the question directly---which dealt with money, not supplies, you'll note---you apparently feel the need to attack the poster of a reasonable question and complain of my "attitude."

Please forgive me for inquiring where the money may be going---and I'm sorry (well, not really) for apparently insulting your feelings on the matter. I get the desire to help others, and to do *something* now, but I've been around long enough to know that the Red Cross (and other charitable organizations) will claim that the money donated will go to one purpose, only to then back away later and "reallocate" the funds to something altogether.

And so before I give some money, I'd certainly like to know where it is going.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

So it's the nephews third birthday tomorrow. How crass would it be to ask Amp to hook me up? Would love a handful of things to tide them over for the next week or so here. But I really don't want to be a PIMking here.

They are staying with you correct?

I would be tempted to leave the stuff for people who have no family to stay with.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

So it's the nephews third birthday tomorrow. How crass would it be to ask Amp to hook me up? Would love a handful of things to tide them over for the next week or so here. But I really don't want to be a PIMking here.

Isn't that exactly what those toys are for? Seems to me you'd be doing exactly what you're supposed to.

[jammies]

Originally Posted by HockeyIlliterate

Is it confirmed that all money raised/donated to the Red Cross for this disaster will be used solely in Alberta and in regards to providing assistance for this disaster?

No, that's not how it works, nor should it. If they raise $50 million and need to spend $40 million on relief efforts here, they're not going to take that extra $10 million and give you a rebate. On the other hand, they might raise $50 million directly and need to spend $100 million. It's impossible to say in advance.

Does it matter exactly where which dollar goes? Is this something they should spend time on, thereby using money and resources tracking every donation that would be better spent on actual aid delivery? Do I care if someone in Singapore gets a few cents on my dollar to help them with disasters of their own? I certainly shouldn't.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I look at it this way. Their coffers are being or will be emptied responding to this situation.

This is me filling it back up.

My thoughts are similar.

I looked it up:
http://www.redcross.ca/donate/fundra...dian-red-cross

It doesn't seem to say they will specifically send the funds to a specific disaster each time one shows up, but yes, it does seem like they would be emptying their coffers to send help to FMM.

I also agree being vouched by Ottawa is a big reason to consider them as well.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

They are staying with you correct?

I would be tempted to leave the stuff for people who have no family to stay with.

Well, they are but I am unsurprisingly lacking in toys for a five year old girl and a three year old boy. You'd be surprised how little Lego Friends and Shopkins an unmarried 33 year old has.

I've also given 500 to Red Cross, maybe I should have spent that on toys? I dunno..

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Isn't that exactly what those toys are for? Seems to me you'd be doing exactly what you're supposed to.

That's what I was thinking.

[BloodFetish]

Don't normally like to post about my donations, but since CP is keeping track add $200 to Red Cross for me.

[shotinthebacklund]

The canadian red cross has a 5% overhead operating rate and 95% of all donation dollars are used for relief.

Also to answer your question , When donating thru a specific relief effort your dollars are only allocated for the relief efforts in that specific cause.

Primary reason why I feel so confident in my donations with the canadian red cross.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Well, they are but I am unsurprisingly lacking in toys for a five year old girl and a three year old boy. You'd be surprised how little Lego Friends and Shopkins an unmarried 33 year old has.


That's what I was thinking.

If you give me a few minutes/an hour or so and get me sizes of clothing for everyone, toys most wanted, and so forth, I can probably get a bunch of people to donate directly to you. PM me with info and I can get going on it.

Just got this update from AEA regarding High Level:

The evacuation order will been lifted as of 12:00 p.m. for residents living in Township 109 range 19 west of 5 between Townships road 1090 and 1094 east to the Bushe River, also 17,18,19,28,29,30,31,32 Township 108 Range 18 west 5. Residents are to remain on immediate alert in case the situation changes due to weather changes.

Check Mackenzie County Facebook Page for further updates. If you are having breathing difficulties due to the smoke, please seek medical attention.

Mackenzie County is advising residents that they may return home as of 12:00 p.m today. Residents are urged to remain on high alert with potential for immediate evacuation again. Be cautious while in or near this are as resources continue to work and control this fire.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

They are staying with you correct?

I would be tempted to leave the stuff for people who have no family to stay with.

Regardless of where kids are staying, they'll need toys

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

That's what I was thinking.

Maybe there's a way to add to the optics?

ie: Call them up, say you have a nephew whose birthday is coming up and was evacuated from FMM, see what they offer to do?

Maybe also coach your nephew to say something cute and inspiring?

[nik-]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Well, they are but I am unsurprisingly lacking in toys for a five year old girl and a three year old boy. You'd be surprised how little Lego Friends and Shopkins an unmarried 33 year old has.

Too bad they're not into My Little Pony cuz then you'd totally have them covered.

Boom, roasted.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by nik-

Too bad they're not into My Little Pony cuz then you'd totally have them covered.

Boom, roasted.

The Monster High Dolls are mine and mine only.

[LGA]

Donated $150 to the Red Cross. It's crazy watching these videos and reading some of the stories.