POPLAR BAY, ALBERTA (May 13, 2016) — Covenant World Relief is sending funds to help Covenant Bay Bible Camp to cover housing evacuees from the Fort McMurray fire, but contributions still are needed said CWR Director Dave Husby.
“Evacuees are welcome to come to Covenant Bay and stay until the end of May,” Jeff Anderson, superintendent of the Canada Conference said earlier this week. “They will be given a cabin or a place to park their RV.”
Covenant Bay, located about 70 miles south of Edmonton, is coordinating with Mustard Seed, an Edmonton-based Christian nonprofit that works with people in poverty, including the homeless.
Mustard Seed estimates that there may be as many as 100 persons who will stay at the camp, which will push the unbudgeted expenses to as high as $2,500 a day.
Evacuees were initially expected to arrive today, but it may not be until Saturday or Sunday, said Jon Drebert, camp director, adding the situation remains “fluid.”
Canadian officials said the fire has covered more than 595,000 acres. More than 80,000 residents of Fort McMurray have fled the blaze, and it is unknown when they will be able to return.
“While our aid is perhaps a drop in the bucket in the scale of this disaster we are confident that it will allow the families we are helping with their immediate needs and experience God’s love for them,” said Drebert.
People interested in donating to help fund relief efforts can contribute online here. Checks may be sent to Covenant World Relief, 8303 W. Higgins, Chicago IL 60631.
Americans are able to receive a tax deduction only if they contribute through CWR.
