What is the Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund?
The Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund is a special fund established by the Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation, to assist the citizens of Fort McMurray in the rebuilding of their town following the tragic fire which destroyed many residences, businesses, and infrastructure.
What is the Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation?
The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation is a registered society under the Societies Act of Alberta and is also approved by the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable foundation. It is independent from Rotary District 5370 and is governed by an elected board of directors. The mission of the Foundation is to assist Rotary clubs in District 5370 in raising funds for worthwhile projects and in undertaking raising funds for district projects, such as this relief fund.
Will I Get a Tax Receipt For My Contribution?
Yes, CRA approved tax receipts will be issued later in the year for all contributions over $25.
How Will the Money From the Funds Be Used?
All money contributed to the fund will be used for various projects to assist Fort McMurray in its rebuilding, This could include the rebuilding of physical structures, grants to local organizations affected by the fire, assistance to small businesses affected and in many other ways. The Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation will rely on an independent allocation committee of Fort McMurray stakeholders (including the two Rotary Clubs and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo) for advice on disbursement of the funds. This will ensure that the funds reach the people needing them the most, and that the local community has a voice in how the money is best used.
Has the Foundation Had Previous Experience With Funds of This Type Yes. In 2011, when the town of Slave Lake experienced a similar fire the Foundation raised and disbursed over $600,000 through a similar process. The disbursements were directed by a community allocation committee and were used for such purposes as rebuilding the library and other community buildings, renovations to community association structures and churches, grants to local community associations to help in restarting their activities, etc.
How Can I Donate? Donations may be from individuals or corporations. Rotary clubs may wish to facilitate this process by collecting donations, and then forwarding either the individual cheques or a cheque drawn on the club’s account for the total amount, along with a list of the donors and their addresses and postal codes
Please make cheques payable to “Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation” and forward to:
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation, c/o Rotary District 5370, 16030 - 104 Ave., Edmonton, T5P 0S3.
Please annotate cheques “Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund”
If you wish to make a donation using a charge card, you may do so using ATB Cares. ATB matches donations with an additional 15%. Here’s the link:
All donations made through ATB cares flow through to the Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation's Fort McMurray Fire Relief Fund. Many thanks!
Julius Buski, President
Rotary District 5370 Charitable Foundation
e-mail: