Fort McMurray fire victims on P.E.I. benefiting from 'absolutely amazing' generosity

Red Cross officials on P.E.I. have provided direct help to 80 people who have been displaced by the Fort McMurray fire, and are now staying on the Island.

They say it couldn't be done without the generosity of Islanders.

The fire victims have been been getting clothing and food vouchers. Adults receive up to $200 in vouchers to Walmart to buy clothing and $80 for food.It is a one-time allotment.

Forty-five households have been helped and people are still coming in, according toTerriJane Taylor,the acting provincial director of the Red Cross on P.E.I.

People had to leave their homes with very little, said Taylor, and need a little help with food and clothing.

"A lot of the people have come in and they tell us stories about how they just left with the clothes on their back and the ID in their pockets," said Taylor.

"There are quite a few terrible stories and we are so glad that we are able to help them. We get a lot ofthankyousand hugs, and we have received quite a few thankyou letters that we're saving."

Donations still coming in

Taylor said the families are now waiting tofind out when they can go back to their homes in Fort McMurray.

Islanders have been sokindand donations continue to come in daily, said Taylor.

So far those have totaled $146,794. She notedthat doesn't include third party fundraisers such as the recent Fortnight concert in Charlottetown which raised close to $58,000.

"It is absolutely amazing. It gives me chills."

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