Gerry Dee, Jonathan Torrens, James Taylor among those reaching out to Fort McMurray fire evacuees

As people across the country reach out to help victims of the devastating forest fires in Alberta, some well-known Canadians are also doing their part.

Comedian Gerry Dee, star of CBC's Mr. D,hosteda Fort McMurray benefit show Saturday called We Got Your Back Fort Mac at Yuk Yuk's comedy club in Calgary.

"We actually raised $12,700!!" Dee posted on his Twitter account afterwards. "Government matches for another $12,700."

The moneywill go to the Red Cross.

Another benefitcomedy show involving Canadian Aaron Berg and a number of other American stand-up comicswill be held Monday in New York City. Proceeds from the $20 US tickets will go to the Red Cross as well.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notleyhas told everyoneto leave the Fort McMurray area because of the dangerous conditions unless they are authorized to be there.

East coasters trying to leave the fire-ravaged area aregettinghelp from actor-producer Jonathan Torrens. Torrens, who isoriginally from Prince Edward Island andbased in Halifax, has offered to fly people home using his travel points.

The idea has sparked the social mediahashtag #GetMeBackFromFortMac and is also encouragingothers to contribute, including Nova Scotian musician Joel Plaskett.

"I've got over 200,000 Aeroplan points," Plaskett posted on his Twitter feed in response to Torrens."Let me know how to transfer once it's set up. Good work!"

So far, the arrangementhas helped more than a dozen stranded evacuees.

American musician James Taylorisalso trying to contribute. TheFire and RainandYou've Got a Friendsinger says he plans to donate the proceeds from his upcoming concerts in Alberta to support victims of the wildfires.

"To turn those couple of shows into benefits is just too good anopportunity to pass up," Taylor said in a phone interview with the Associated Press from histour bus."It's a major national catastrophe and it's just impossible toignore it."

Relief concerts are also being planned in the Maritimes; Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle and New BrunswickerMatt Minglewood are just a few of the artists getting involved.

• Change in weather slows growth of Fort McMurray fire

A change in the weather has slowed the progress of theFort McMurray wildfire, though it still rages out of control, according to Alberta fire officials.

Itcurrently sits at 161,000 hectares, or 1,610 square kilometres, a little under three times the size of Edmonton.