The Canadian Red Cross opened a Humanitarian Services Centre in Hinton to help those impacted by the Jasper wildfires.
Opening on Thursday (Aug. 8), the centre will serve as a “one-stop location” for Jasper residents as they begin their return to the community.
“We know from experience that recovery takes a long time," said Amy Avis, chief of emergencies for the Canadian Red Cross, in a news release. "By working closely with our community partners, we’re aiming to help provide the services, advice, and support needed to assist people as they take the next steps in their recovery,”
“The Humanitarian Services Centre in Hinton will be a welcoming and safe space for people impacted by the wildfires in Jasper as they make important decisions in the weeks ahead.”
The centre has been set up in a field adjacent to the Hinton Curling Club (837 Switzer Drive) and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT.
It will offer critical support services, connect residents with various organizations and provide vital information to help guide their next steps for recovering from the wildfires.
Jasperites will also be provided access to basic needs assistance, free items such as hygiene and clean-up kits, referrals to community services, support for navigating health care needs, well-being and psychosocial support, recovery assistance information and safe, child-friendly spaces with recreational activities for kids.
The Canadian Red Cross is working with the Municipality of Jasper and the Town of Hinton to host the centre, with partners including the Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance, Community Futures and others.
The Red Cross is also providing in-person support to evacuees in Edmonton, Calgary and Valemount, B.C.
Details on site locations and operating hours are available on the Red Cross website.
As of Aug. 7, the Canadian Red Cross has distributed $750 in one-time financial assistance to over 2,600 Jasper households, and the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal has received $10.3 million in donations.
The federal and provincial governments are matching every donation by individual Canadians to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal between July 25 and Aug. 24.
Those who have been impacted by the wildfires in Alberta and have not yet registered with the Red Cross can do so at http://www.redcross.ca or call 1-800-863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT.
