3 days ago
Saskatchewan organizations doing their part to help wildfire evacuees
As more wildfire evacuees from across the province make their way to Regina, several local organizations are stepping up to lend a hand to those in need.
The Rochdale Boulevard YMCA is offering evacuees free access to its health, fitness and aquatics centre.
Seaspray Laundry has approved 50 free laundry loads for evacuees including detergent. Additionally, Saskatoon-based Community Arts Mentorship Program, is offering artistic services in not only Regina, but also Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
'One of the things we always say is the arts helps you process what's going on,' managing director Eliza Doyle explained. 'It kind of gives you an expression outlet, so we're just trying to have some arts experiences for families and for community members and trying to keep that little bit of continuity going and expression.'
The Community Arts Mentorship Program hosted an event in Regina on Monday afternoon that featured a fiddler and beadwork demonstration.
While providing artistic services, they are also looking for donations of art supplies and cash, which will go towards offering continued arts programming for evacuees.
'The response has been great, The National Arts Centre has a program called Music Alive and they reached out and wanted to donate $2,000, which is a great kick-starter,' Doyle added.
'Every little bit helps, people are donating $20 and saying they're worried it's only $20; $20 is great. People are going through their old art supplies, and you might think it's just a crayon, but these are packages that we can give to families and kids and community members.'
The REAL District is also accepting donations for evacuees, including snacks and children's clothing.
