Joyce Family Donates $2 Million to Help Alberta Fire Relief

Photo by JasonWoodHead23, Creative Commons.

On Friday, Tim Hortons co-founder Ron Joyce and other family members made the largest individual donation the Canadian Red Cross has seen in the wake of the Fort McMurray fire.

“It is part of our Canadian culture to look after one another during times of need,” said Joyce, who lives in Calgary. “This tragedy really exemplifies the solidarity of our nation and we are privileged to be in the position to assist in the relief efforts.”

The donation, which went to the Red Cross fires appeal, will help the more than 700 Red Cross personnel respond to the fires’ aftermath. They’ve been working to help reunite families and provide accommodations, food, water and basic supplies to evacuees.

“The needs are great and this very generous donation from the Joyce family will help support individuals, families and communities as they work to rebuild their lives,” says Conrad Sauvé, the Red Cross President and CEO.

The Fort McMurray fire was first discovered by fire crews on Sunday, May 1 and went on to displace tens of thousands of residents. Alberta officials have not yet stated when residents may be able to return to devastated areas. New wildfires are still emerging in the province.

Canadians who wish to add to the more than $67 million the Red Cross has already raised can make a donation at your local Red Cross office, at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.