Natural disasters don't take holidays and neither does Aisling Pollard-Kientzel.
It didn't take the former candidate for city council long to step up and take action after last weekend's devastation and mass evacuation caused by raging wildfires near Slave Lake. Her best friend's parents lost their home, just like almost 400 other families.
She has organized a donation drive for Victoria Day in the hopes there will still be many shoppers around the city who are eager to show their compassion. She's done her homework to make sure everything is legitimate.
"I've spoken to the evacuees, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army … just talking about what they need. They need tangible donations."
She strongly encouraged people to only give items from an approved list and not just send over unwanted household goods.
The following is a list of donations that are requested:
• Non-perishable food
• Baby formula
• Pet food
• Personal hygiene items (including deodorant, feminine products, dry shampoo, and diapers)
• Pens and paper (for insurance claims).
Cash donations are also being accepted and tax receipts will be available. She is interested in hearing from people who are willing to sponsor or foster abandoned pets.
Immediately after collection, volunteer drivers will deliver the items to the evacuees in Westlock, Athabasca and Edmonton. To that end, Pollard-Kientzel is also searching for individuals who are willing to help with transportation, especially the cost of gas. Budget is providing the use of a one-ton truck.
"That's the most important thing. A lot of people just find themselves with buckets of stuff that can't get there. That's the biggest thing that I want to avoid."
The donation drive will be held at the Safeway location at Inglewood Town Centre on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evacuees will be in attendance.
Coun. Cam MacKay believes citizens will help as much as they can.
"I know we can depend on the generous residents of St Albert to assist those in need."
Rebuilding the library
The newly built town library was among the many buildings that were destroyed in the fire. It only opened last year.
Now a groundswell of goodwill is rising as many other libraries, bookstores, publishers and other related organizations are rallying to build it back up again. That chain of support includes the St. Albert Public Library. Its donation box is now collecting funds for the relief effort as well.
Direct cash donations can be made at www.slavelakelibrary.ab.ca by clicking on Make a Donation.
