11 hours ago
Province-wide radio campaign raises $680K to support those affected by Sask. wildfires
The Saskatchewan Day of Caring has raised $680,000 to support those affected by wildfires in the province.
Radio stations and media outlets across the province came together on June 12 to take part in the campaign, with airtime dedicated to the cause throughout the day.
Listeners were able to donate $10 by texting RADIO to 20222 or by going to the Red Cross' website, with all funds raised during the radiothon going directly to the Canadian Red Cross Saskatchewan 2025 Wildfires Appeal.
Luc Mullinder, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nunavut, said the organization is grateful to the radio stations who made it possible.
'The generosity demonstrated through the radiothon is truly inspiring and provides a much-needed boost to our teams on the ground in Saskatchewan, who are working tirelessly to support affected communities,' he said in a news release from the Canadian Red Cross on Tuesday.
In total, 37 Saskatchewan radio stations and 19 online news outlets took part in the day.
The Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal has raised $2.2 million as of June 16, according to the Red Cross, which is inclusive of donations pledged or received, and does not include matching funds from the Government of Canada or the Government of Saskatchewan.
The Canadian Red Cross says the application of the funds the government has committed to is being discussed and will be determined by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
According to the SPSA, there are 13 active wildfires in the province as of Tuesday morning, including six that are not contained.
- With files from Drew Postey
