This first-hand account of the wildfires in Jasper, Alberta, Canada comes from District 5370 Governor Brian Edwards.Hello Rotary family,
We are devastated that large sections of the town and park of Jasper, our jewel in the mountains, have suffered such fire damage. The town has lost about 1/3rd of the structures, mainly residences. It is currently shut down, without water or power.
Approximately 10,000 town residents and 15,000 park visitors were successfully evacuated, with no known injuries. We thank the firefighters who put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, the police, first responders, town and park officials and no doubt many others who calmly look after us. And the members of the Rotary Club of Jasper, who provided traffic control support in this time of crisis. All are safe and accounted for, although dispersed across Alberta and British Columbia.
Our thoughts now move to supporting their mental health, as they start to contemplate rebuilding their lives.
Thank you to all who have reached out to me with your kind thoughts. We have established a branch of our District 5370 Charitable Foundation if it fits for people to make a donation.
We have established a team to work with the community, when possible, to do a needs assessment for a possible RI Disaster Relief grant request.
Take care all,
Yours in Rotary,
Brian
How to Donate:
1. Donate online at Canada Helps at this following link: [Select “Jasper Fire Relief Fund” in the box under donation amount]
2. Donate by Interac Transfer to: rotary5370charitable@gmail.com [Please be sure to include your full name, mailing address and email address so that we can send you a tax receipt]
3. Send a cheque, made out to Rotary District Charitable Foundation to the district office:
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
The Orange Hub - Room Number 438,
10045 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 2P7
[Please annotate your cheque “Jasper Fire Relief Fund” and provide your full name, mailing address and email address so that we can send you a tax receipt]