As wildfires force the evacuation of Fort Simpson and Wrigley, and threaten additional Northwest Territories communities, families are leaving their homes with little notice while neighbouring communities prepare to welcome evacuees and provide support.
In response, United Way NWT has activated its Emergency Response Fund to provide rapid, flexible financial support to local organizations responding to emerging community needs on the ground. NGOs and Indigenous governments can submit a funding request to ed@nwt.unitedway.ca to further support evacuees. United Way NWT will begin approving emergency grants immediately, ensuring local organizations have the flexibility to respond as community needs continue to evolve.
“The coming days and weeks will bring changing needs for evacuees and the communities welcoming them,” said Ben Linaker, Board Chair, United Way NWT. “By activating our Emergency Response Fund now, we’re ensuring trusted local organizations have access to the flexible support they need to respond quickly.”
Mandi Parkes, Executive Director, United Way NWT adds “One of the lessons we learned in 2023 is that local organizations know their communities best. Flexible funding allows them to purchase exactly what’s needed, when it’s needed, without unnecessary delays. That’s why cash donations remain the most effective way people can help.”
During the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, United Way NWT coordinated one of the territory’s largest community fundraising efforts, raising more than $3.3 million and distributing support through over 130 emergency grants. Those funds helped provide food, shelter, transportation, pet care, mental health supports, and other essential services for evacuees and host communities.
That experience demonstrated the resilience of Northerners and the power of collective action, with community members, governments, labour unions, and local organizations stepping forward in solidarity. The same spirit is visible again today, with local groups already working tirelessly to support evacuees and host communities.
United Way NWT will be launching our Emergency Response fundraising campaign shortly, to finalise our fundraising campaign, including working with key partners to secure major lead donations, helping build momentum for a broader appeal.
