There's no question in times of need Central Albertans are eager to help out in any way they can.
 
With more than 14,000 displaced by the wildfires in BC, many are asking what they can do.
 
In terms of donations, Emergency Management Co-ordinator with the City of Red Deer Karen Mann says cash is king.

“In these big emergencies they are evolving so quickly and the needs are changing very quickly and therefore it’s best to donate cash through reputable agencies that are already on the ground providing frontline response. So the most common example that people will hear about is the Canadian Red Cross. People can donate to the Canadian Red Cross online and their also able to text FIRES to 45678 and that will make a $10 Canadian Red Cross donation”.

Alternatively Mann encourages you to reach out to other organizations called into action so you can help meet their needs list.

“Get into contact with charities that are in the affected area such as food banks and ask how you can help, what’s the best way for us to donate to you directly, because lot of times existing non-profit agencies in impacted communities will have an increased demand and a decreased ability to provide for that demand during that emergency event”.

She has some words of caution and advice for anyone considering starting a collection of hard good donations like clothing and household items.

“It’s hard to manage, it’s expensive to transport and it’s hard to tailor donations of hard goods to the needs of evacuees. Cash is the primary thing that agencies are looking for in terms of donations during emergencies but if you’re interested in donating hard goods, make sure you get in contact with a receiving organization on the ground before you start collecting the donations. Figure out what their needs list is and tailor your donation requests to that needs list”.

If the donation of hard goods isn't properly managed Mann says it just creates more of a challenge for those directly impacted by the emergency as resources are already stretched and they are then left trying to sort donations, often faced with a number of items that aren't usable.