Red Cross providing more funds and transportation back to McMurray

The Canadian Red Cross is stepping up to financially support Fort McMurrayites again.

The agency is providing additional assistance to help with immediate re-entry needs of evacuees due to the wildfire. Funds are expected to help cover the costs of basic household items like groceries.

Each household will receive $300 per household plus an additional $50 for each additional person in the household, therefore a home with four people in it will receive $450.

To receive the funds evacuees must be registered with the Canadian Red Cross, if you have not done so you can register by calling 1-888-350-6070. If you’re already registered you must check in with the Red Cross at one of the eight information centres throughout Wood Buffalo. After re-entry, households will be eligible to receive the assistance through e-transfer.

McMurrayites displaced by the wildfire who have no means to return to Fort McMurray can count on the Red Cross.

Shuttle bus service will be available from Edmonton, Calgary and Lac La Biche to Fort McMurray. If you’re in Alberta and can’t get to one of those three locations contact your nearest Red Cross office. There will be six departure points for the shuttle service.

Those who have travelled outside of the province can book a flight to Edmonton which will be followed by a shuttle to Fort McMurray.

People receiving financial support for transportation back to the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo from the company they are working for or from an insurance company are not eligible to travel through the Red Cross.

Booking information

To book a flight or shuttle by phone call 1-888-539-6918.

To book a flight or shuttle bus online click here.

In Fort McMurray, The Red Cross will be on the ground in Fort McMurray through the re-entry process. Listen to Kim MacLean speaking with Rock 97.9?s Chris Byrne about what they’re doing to help.