Edmonton fundraiser earns heaps of cash for Fort McMurray fire relief

A fundraiser hosted by former Alberta MLAs Thomas Lukaszuk, Gene Zwozdesky, and the owner of the Maharaja Hall raised over $150,000 for the Fort McMurray relief effortMonday night.

The banquet hall donated the space and Indian food. Tickets sold for $50 and a silent auction was held to raise additional funds. All of the cash is going to the CanadianRed Cross to aid evacuees.

It's been threeweeks since the massive wildfire crept into Fort McMurray leaving 90,000 residents to flee their homes. But since then, donations and fundraisers haven't slowed down.

Dogar Mohammad attended the Maharaja Hall fundraiser but he had a different perspective than most attendees.

He's an evacuee.

"I'm inspired. This difficult time issubdued," said Mohammad. "I feel like people are with us and our feelings are shared. We pay tribute to all those that helped is. This will make us stronger."

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On a night where generosity was showcased, Mohammad is looking toward a time when the donations will not be needed.

As a former oil and gas worker, he yearns for the time when Fort McMurray was self sustainable and the envy of many Canadian cities for its wealth. The resident of 10 years wants to go back to the city he calls home, and return to his job as a taxi driver.

"We cannot just live on these donations. It's not elevating for us. We want to work and make money, to contribute to the province and the entire country."

Mohammad ishoping to get a look at his Timberlea home on June 2, the second day of there-entry plan set by the province.