Supplied by the Sault Chamber of Commerce…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC) is calling on its members, businesses and the people of Sault Ste. Marie to help the citizens of Fort McMurray, Alberta as the community suffers through the devastation of an on-going wild fire.

In support of the community of Fort McMurray, the SSMCOC has made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross and is asking Chamber members and local businesses to do the same.

SSMCOC President, Monica Dale notes that it’s “almost unimaginable for most of us to be able to appreciate what the citizens of Fort McMurray are dealing with right now… Evacuated from their homes with very little of their personal belongings, not knowing what they will have to go home to when this is over and even if they will have jobs to go back to depending on how much of the community is impacted by the fire.”

She adds that Canadians have a way of coming together when tragedy strikes and she “knows that the people of Sault Ste. Marie are genuinely concerned as they have been watching what is happening In Fort McMurray unfold.”

Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Rory Ring notes that earlier this week, he sent out a message of support to his counterpart at the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce as it became apparent that the impact of the fire would be significant.

“Obviously right now, the most pressing concern is humanitarian,” says Ring. “We need to ensure that the people of Fort McMurray have places to go, food, shelter, clothing and health care.  The best way to do that is to make sure that groups like the Canadian Red Cross have the financial resources to get the job done.”

The SSMCOC is asking members and businesses to please donate to the Red Cross by visiting RedCross.ca or Support the Fort by simply texting “RedCross” to 30333 to make a $5 donation (individual donations are being matched by the Government of Canada).