Alongside Hope Offers Emergency Support as Wildfire Crisis Unfolds
As communities across Northwestern Ontario continue to face the devastating impacts of wildfires, Alongside Hope (formerly the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund), the Anglican Church of Canada’s national relief and development agency, is working with diocesan and Indigenous leaders to support communities affected by the emergency.
In a message to Archbishop Anne Germond and Bishop Lydia Mamakwa, Alongside Hope confirmed that its In Canada Emergency Response Fund is available to support dioceses as needs continue to emerge in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Alongside Hope staff are also working with Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations across northern Ontario, to help address immediate needs created by the wildfire emergency. The organization is also exploring opportunities for volunteers in the Thunder Bay area to assist with receiving and distributing donated goods as local response efforts continue to develop.
Responding to Alongside Hope’s offer of assistance, Archbishop Anne thanked the organization for its support of northern communities and shared updates from the Diocese, noting that Camp Gitchigomee had been safely evacuated and that the community of Collins in the Diocese of Moosonee had been completely destroyed by wildfire. She also indicated that she would remain in close contact with Bishop Lydia Mamakwa as communities in her episcopal area continue to respond to the unfolding emergency.
Alongside Hope has encouraged dioceses to reach out as needs become clearer, recognizing that recovery from disasters of this scale will extend well beyond the immediate emergency. As wildfire season continues, the agency remains committed to working alongside dioceses, Indigenous partners, and local communities as they respond to both immediate needs and the long journey of recovery ahead.
Contact Information:
For more information about Alongside Hope’s response to the Northern Ontario wildfires, or to learn how to support ongoing relief efforts, contact Kim Umbach, Volunteer Coordinator:
· Email: kumbach@alongsidehope.org
· Phone: 416-924-9199 ext. 367
To donate to the In Canada Emergency Response Fund: Donation Form