The Resource One Aboriginal Business Association (ROABA) hosted a local fundraiser and supplies drive for evacuees of the Fort McMurray flooding last Saturday in Lac La Biche. The event saw a trailer-full of supplies collected in the two hour collection outside the organization's offices.
ROABA's executive director Lucille Chisan had hoped to collect toiletries, clothing, toys, food and any necessities the evacuees may need. The list of items received and sent up to Fort McMurray the same day was substantial, she said. The list of donations and supporters can be found in links of the digital version of this story at www.LakelandToday.ca
Through the Indigenous business group, Chisan says the event was a way for the community "to help our neighbours."
An estimated 300 people are seeking temporary shelter in the Lac La Biche area, forced to leave their community over the last several days as flood waters from an ice-dammed Athabasca River covered many parts of the northern city. Estimates say that upwards of 13,000 people have been displaced. The ROABA organization supports Indigenous business across the northern part of the province, including Fort McMurray.
ROABA president Shawn McDonald and some helpers delivered the essentials into the Fort McMurray region as soon as the trailer was latched up.
McDonald was very pleased with the local support for the Fort McMurray residents.
"Without any of you this could never have happened," he commented. "Fort McMurray you are more than just our neighbors. You are our family, friends, and ROABA members as well."
A full list of needed supplies on the Fort McMurray's Food Bank page can also be found at links in the www.LakelandToday.ca digital version of this story.
