The wildfires of 2023 were some of the most striking and harrowing events for many families across Canada. Thanks to your support, ADRA has helped numerous affected people across the Northwest Territories to get back on their feet again.

Eva is a grandmother of ten. Already struggling to make ends meet with such a large family, life became remarkably more difficult for her after the wildfire evacuations displaced her and her dependents from their home. Picture in the accompanying photo, Eva holds an envelope containing a cheque from ADRA Canada. Like many people in her community, she has received your support in the form of direct cash transfers.

Many other people in Canada’s northern reaches have expressed their thanks for this assistance. One woman, Melissa, said: “The wildfires were unprecedented and a huge financial burden for our family, especially with a small baby. […] Thank you for thinking of us northerners.”

Another woman, Velma, shared that the cash transfers would help her cover the costs of transporting her recently evacuated pet cats back to Yellowknife. Frustrated by the struggles facing evacuees, her words to ADRA were: “Thank you again for stepping up and leading by example.”

Yet another cash transfer recipient, this one wanting to remain anonymous, expressed the stress of reconnecting with their entire family after the evacuation. With older children spread out in different parts of the nation, it became difficult for them to figure out how to coordinate getting everyone back together after being forced from their homes. After facing such stressful adjustments, they shared how grateful they were to receive money that would support much-needed groceries and household items.

Because of your continued support of ADRA Canada, our national program has been able to help these people and many more like them in the face of unprecedented natural disasters. May the uncontrolled spread of the wildfires be outdone by the spread of the generosity of ADRA supporters like you!