On Wednesday, in Canada’s Fort McMurray, a state of emergency was declared.
A massive inferno enveloped the city.
According to CNN, the has fire destroyed over 80% of the community, and some 1,600 structures have been eradicated in the fire.
Officials evacuated about 88,000 people from the entire city. Reception centers for evacuees were set up in Edmonton.
CBC News reported that in an effort to aid the evacuees, a convoy of Sikh truckers from Surrey, British Columbia, completed a 1,405-mile trek to Edmonton to deliver $1 million worth of donations to families forced to flee the wildfire.
The donations came primarily from B.C.’s Sikh community.
One member of the Edmonton’s Sikh community stated:
“When they see people are fleeing their homes, in B.C. the whole Sikh community got together for collecting food and clothing and whatever was needed.”
Over the past few days, 9 semi trucks from B.C. hauling essential goods such as food, clothing, and supplies have arrived to help the victims in Edmonton.
Supplies were unloaded at the donation center.
One member of the Sikh community told media:
“The main fundamental principle of Sikhism is helping and sharing with others. Sikhs have been blessed by coming here to this country that has bestowed on them so many opportunities. So why not share with people when they need it?”
Want to help? The EERSS is still accepting donations and volunteers.