Fort McMurray – Several Ways to Give!

100Brokers • May 11, 2016

Our hearts go out to all the people impacted by the fires in Fort McMurray. Below is a list that we have put together outlining charities that are making a difference locally in the fire relief effort in Fort McMurray.

At the time of writing this, our membership is at 74 brokers across Canada, and although our goal is to reach 100 members in each region, BC, The Prairies, Eastern Canada, and Atlantic Canada, we feel that the severity of this cause is enough to unite brokers across Canada to give as a consolidated group!

Over the next week, 100Brokers Who Care will be narrowing down this list to 3 potential recipients, and voting on who will receive our donation of $7400. However if there is a charity on the list below that you would like to support independently, please do that!

This list is being provided for your consideration! 

 

Redcross

With the federal government announcing that they are  matching all donations made to the Red Cross for the Fort McMurray Wildfires, this is a very good option! The Redcross has a reputation of doing great work in disaster relief. You can donate $5 by texting REDCROSS to 30333 or donate $10 by texting FIRES to 45678. Be careful: There are some scammers posing as the Red Cross asking for money on social media. 

The organization said it will likely be working in Fort McMurray for the next four or five years.

 

Salvation Army

As fires rage in Alberta, The Salvation Army’s Emergency and Disaster Services is on alert to provide fast, efficient service to first responders and those impacted by the disaster. The Salvation Army’s established and well-rehearsed emergency protocol allows the organization to offer practical support such as food, clothing and shelter, as well as emotional and spiritual care. The Salvation Army is committed to serving both in the response and recovery p

 

Save The Children

Children are the most vulnerable during emergencies, that’s why Save the Children has deployed staff to Edmonton to help minimize the impact of the disaster. We are continuously assessing the situation based on the most current Fort McMurray fire news and determining where help is most needed. Currently we are providing the necessary supplies for the safety and wellbeing of children, including hygiene kits, pop-up kits, baby baths, and clothes for newborns, in addition to the creation of Child Friendly Spaces. A Child Friendly Space or CFS is a critical component to providing support to children and families in temporary locations following a disaster.

 

Save on Foods

Join Save-On-Foods in supporting victims of the Fort McMurray fires at your local Save-On-Foods. You can donate cash or points. Displaced residents in need of emergency prescription refills can access their files at any Save-On-Foods/Overwaitea Food Group store. Our thoughts are with the residents of Fort McMurray and with the more than 300 Save-On-Foods team members affected by the wildfire.

 

United Way Fort McMurray

By donating to United for Fort McMurray you will help thousands of our city’s residents recover from this disaster and return to our families, our friends, and our neighbourhoods.  Your generosity will help address important social needs like housing, food assistance, trauma and mental health supports, and much more.

 

Canada Helps

CanadaHelps.org has a great resource list of charities that are setup to help the victims of the Fort McMurray fires. Have a look and find somewhere to give! 

By Brokers Who Care November 3, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Andrea Mundie our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Marci Deanefor bringing this Cause to our attention. Andrea Mundie is a devoted mother of four—Rex, Dace, Clove, and Penn—facing the fight of her life. Already living with Stage 4 cancer, she has now been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease, a rare and aggressive complication. Her priority is simple yet profound: to spend meaningful time with her children and create lasting memories while she can. To extend her time, Andrea has begun permanent chemotherapy. But the financial strain is overwhelming. Many of her most urgent needs are not covered by insurance. Funds raised will directly support: Health and wellness costs to ease her treatment Meals and home care for her children Educational expenses to secure their futures Despite her challenges, Andrea’s resilience shines. She celebrated her 50th birthday with loved ones, even while beginning chemotherapy. Soon after, she faced emergency surgery where her heart stopped and doctors cracked her ribs and sternum to save her life. Through it all, she has held onto positivity and humor. A grant from 100 Brokers Who Care would ease Andrea’s burden, giving her peace of mind and the ability to focus on what matters most—her children. Your support will provide comfort, dignity, and precious moments of love and memory.
By Brokers Who Care November 3, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Stephanie Salamandyk our Recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Stephanie Salamandyk, niece of our industry partner Kim Lentowitsch (BDM, Canada Guaranty), was diagnosed with rectal cancer in early 2024. Relentlessly advocating for her own health, she finally got answers and in May underwent emergency colostomy surgery after a tumor caused nearly 100% blockage. She began chemotherapy in July in hopes of shrinking the tumor enough to proceed with further surgeries, including a future reconnection of her colon. Stephanie and her high school sweetheart, Jesse, have been married for 12 years and are raising three young boys—Jackson (11), Lincoln (6), and Parker (3)—along with their two dogs, Peppe and Maymay. Active in her community, Stephanie was recently nominated as president of her local community center. Despite her strength and commitment, her illness has left the family facing financial strain. As a part-time contract worker, she does not receive EI or disability benefits. Jesse, a long-haul truck driver and the family’s primary income earner, will need to take unpaid time off to support Stephanie and care for their boys. A grant would provide much-needed financial relief, easing the burden and allowing Stephanie to focus on healing and family during this challenging time.
By Brokers Who Care June 24, 2025
Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Brodziak Family our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2025 vote. Thank you Crystal Mamchur for bringing this Cause to our attention. On August 13, 2024, Ryan Brodziak’s life changed forever. While walking with his 11-month-old son, Ozzy, and their puppy, Gouda, an out-of-control vehicle struck them on the sidewalk. Ryan suffered a severe spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia, while Ozzy sustained a skull fracture and a broken arm. Six months later, Ryan remains in intensive rehabilitation after months in the ICU and multiple surgeries. His journey is uncertain, requiring daily effort to regain strength and adjust to life with a spinal cord injury. His wife, Bailey, has been his unwavering support, balancing new motherhood with being Ryan’s primary caregiver and advocate. She has put her career on hold, navigating hospital stays, rehab programs, and financial stress—all while ensuring a loving home for Ozzy. Ryan has always given back. As the former owner of The Local Omnivore, Gravy, and Gorilla restaurants, he built community spaces and organized charity events, including an annual Bikeathon to support Edmonton’s unhoused population. He has always stepped up for others—now, he and his family need that same support. A Brokers Who Care grant would be life-changing, helping with critical home modifications, rehabilitation costs, and mobility equipment. Just as importantly, it would provide financial relief for Bailey, allowing her to focus on their family’s well-being without overwhelming financial strain. This isn’t just about helping one person—it’s about lifting a family who has given so much to their community.
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