A trifecta of lightning strikes, dry weather, and extreme heat has caused a flurry of wildfires to spread across Ontario, Canada.
At the time of publication on July 17, the Canadian government reported that 6.8 million acres of land had burned, and 897 fires were still active — 125 of which were listed as “out of control.”
The wildfires have disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities. Indigenous Services Canada shared that more than 1,600 individuals had been evacuated from First Nations communities due to fires this season, with that number expected to increase.
At Good Good Good, our mission is to help readers feel more hopeful and do more good. In addition to this resource guide, we’ve also created an article dubbed ‘Hope in the Heartbreak: How To Respond To Tragic News & Events’ — which dives into our recommended process for processing bad news:
- Mourn — It’s okay to mourn and feel a true sense of empathy around the heartbreak.
- Look for the Helpers — Mister Rogers reminds us that there is good news out there, if only we can seek it out.
- Take Action — When we take action, it makes a difference in the lives of others and reminds us that we are not powerless.
As we continue to “look for the helpers” on the ground, here are seven organizations that are requesting immediate aid.
7 tribes and organizations that need immediate aid
The Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Fund
Great for: Immediate disaster relief and climate preparedness
To help provide immediate relief as well as long-term assistance, you can donate to the Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Fund. In addition to emergency aid, the funds will go towards enhancing “Canada’s readiness and response to the escalating wildfire risks.”
To donate, you can visit their official website.
The Namaygoosisagagun First Nation
Great for: Providing temporary shelter and emergency supplies
The Namaygoosisagagun First Nation is an Ojibwa First Nation near Onamakawash Lake in Northwestern Ontario. They are currently requesting donations, 100% of which will go to fund emergency supplies, temporary shelter, and other essential resources.
The Anishinabek Nation 7th Generation Charity website has a link for donations.
True North Aid
Great for: Supporting evacuees and prioritizing women’s health
Since 2009, the nonprofit True North Aid has been providing support to remote Indigenous communities in Canada through food, water, and clothing donations.
In addition to donating to the nonprofit as it supports wildfire evacuees, you can also donate to Truth North Aid’s Moon Time Connections program, which ensures their communities have access to menstrual products — especially in times of crisis.
The Northern Reach Network
Great for: Evacuating displaced and adoptable animals
The Northern Reach Network, also known as the Hub of the North, is a nonprofit that provides foster-based assistance to displaced dogs and cats. In addition to donations, they are currently seeking volunteers and fosters for the growing number of pets under their care.
You can support the network on their website.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
Great for: Evacuating animals and providing care to injured pets
As the wildfires continue to evolve, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society have set up a network of resources dedicated to helping displaced families and their pets.
Donations to the organization will go towards bringing pet food and supplies to evacuation centers, evacuating adoptable animals to Southern Ontario, offering emergency boarding, and providing wildfire telehealth for pets — day or night.
You can donate to the organization via its website.
The Mikinakoos Children’s Fund
Great for: Helping children and infants in times of crisis
Since 2014, the Mikinakoos Children’s Fund has provided basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and school supplies to First Nations children in isolated communities across Northwestern Ontario.
They are currently accepting emergency donations to coordinate the distribution of hygiene products, baby supplies, and other items to Indigenous families.
You can donate to support the charity’s efforts through this emergency donation link.
The Whitesand First Nation
Great for: Directly supporting an Indigenous community
Exclusively for those with a Canadian bank account, Ontario native Anne Marie Bonneau suggested a direct way to provide assistance to the Whitesand First Nation, an Ojibway community north of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
To donate to the Whitesand First Nation, send an Interac e-transfer to donations@whitesandfirstnation.com. Include your full name in the comment section to receive a tax receipt.
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Featured Image: Gogerr/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
