Photo: Canadian Red Cross

Castanet readers have come through for the victims of the devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray.

In just two days, the Castanet Cares campaign, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, has raised $18,940.

The fundraiser continues, and all donations are being matched by the federal government, doubling their effect in the fire-ravaged Northern Alberta city.

Kelowna has a special connection to the disaster unfolding in Alberta.

Kelowna fought through its own firestorm in 2003, when more than 200 homes were destroyed by the Okanagan Mountain Park wildfire.

We rebuilt, and Fort Mac will, too.

We've set up our own local portal to donate directly to the Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal via Castanet to show just how much the Central Okanagan understands what residents of Fort Mac are going through.

Your support helps provide comfort kits, blankets, meals, shelter beds and more. 

“Having been in Kelowna during the 2003 wildfire response, I know people in the Okanagan will have a special empathy for how it feels to flee from a raging wildfire. The Canadian Red Cross is proud to once again be providing support to people in need, this time in Fort McMurray. We thank Castanet and its readers for helping raise funds to assist thousands of people in the days and months ahead," said Kimberley Nemrava, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for B.C. and Yukon.    

The Fort McMurray wildfire has destroyed more than 1,600 structures, forcing 80,000 residents to evacuate the city and burning 1,000 square kilometres. 

To donate, simply click the Donate Button in the photo above, or go here.