Today is a “Day of Caring for Jasper”

The fires in Jasper are now out, and crews are trying to re-establish some of the infrastructure like power, and water.

The wildfire that raged through the town has moved on as well. Some Parks Canada staff who are fighting the fire, are among those who have lost their homes.

The remains of hotels in Jasper from July 26 2024. Over 300 structures were destroyed. Canadian Press Photo by Amber Bracken

The devastation in the tourist town is wide spread. Buildings that were once teeming with tourists are gone, as well as the things every small town has, gas stations, restaurants, and various shops and services, all wiped out in the intense flames and heat that engulfed the town.

Jasper won’t be over this in a few weeks, or even a few months, it will take time for the community to clear away the debris, and rebuild.

Fire crews work to put out hot spots in the Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., on Friday July 26, 2024. As residents of Jasper learn more details about wildfire damage to their evacuated town, the Alberta and federal governments say they’ll match donations to the Canadian Red Cross for wildfire relief in the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Now we can all lend a hand.

Today, is the “Day of Caring for Jasper”, a massive fundraising campaign to try and get donations flowing though the Canadian Red Cross to help the victims of the fire. You can go to albertadayofcaring.com to make a donation. Every dollar raised in Canada is being matched by the federal government, and the government of Alberta. Essentially, that means every dollar you donate is actually three dollars, and this is money that can make a difference.

Parks Canada officials say they’re making progress on battling the blazes in Jasper National Park. Fire crews work in a devastated neighbourhood in Jasper, Alta., on Friday, July 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

You can donate by text message as well. Text the keyword RADIO (all caps) to 20222 and you can make a ten dollar donation through your smart phone.

In Alberta, there is a massive provincewide bottle drive that will continue through the long weekend. All people have to do when returning their empty bottles for recycling is says “these are for Jasper” and the money from the deposits will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.

Harvard Media, and all of its radio and digital properties in Alberta and Saskatchewan are behind the initiative, and we invite you to join us in the “Day of Caring for Jasper”.