FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNW and PSAC Step Forward with Opening $20,000 Contribution.
YELLOWKNIFE, September 04, 2025—Wildfires in the Northwest Territories have forced evacuations from Fort Providence and Whatì, placing enormous strain on Northerners evacuating their homes and pressure on the communities welcoming them.
To support impacted communities, United Way NWT has activated its Emergency Response Fund, for the first time since the 2023 wildfire season, to provide rapid, flexible financial support to local organizations responding to emerging community needs on the ground.
United Way NWT is grateful to announce generous early contributions of $10,000 each from the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Social Justice Fund. The Emergency Response Fund is supported by public donations, which are redirected to strengthen local community organizations’ responses. This early commitment strengthens our ability to move resources quickly where they are needed most.
“The UNW has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with United Way NWT, and we will continue to support the important work they do in administering funds to organizations directly helping NWT residents when and where they need it most,” said Gayla Thunstrom, President, Union of Northern Workers, and member of the PSAC SJF Steering Committee. “Our hearts and minds are with the community members who have been evacuated, and those who are on evacuation alert.”
“United Way NWT is actively working to support evacuees from Fort Providence, Whatì, and other communities impacted by these wildfires by providing gap relief and support with immediate needs,” said Ben Linaker, Board Chair, United Way NWT. “We would like to thank the Union of Northern Workers, PSAC, and all who have contributed to our Emergency Response Fund so far. United Way NWT is welcoming any contributions, big and small, from all who can support our efforts to move resources quickly where they are needed most.”
During the unprecedented 2023 wildfire season, United Way NWT raised more than $3.3 million for emergency response and recovery, providing funds to NWT organizations through over 130 grants. These funds provided shelter, food, transportation, pet care, and other essential services, supporting both immediate responses and long-term recovery across the affected Northern 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.
How to help
United Way NWT is now accepting donations to its Emergency Response Fund. Contributions will be redistributed directly to local organizations meeting the needs of evacuees and welcoming communities. Donations can be made today at: https://nwt.unitedway.ca/donate
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About United Way NWT
United Way Northwest Territories exists to promote the capacity of people across the North to care for one another. Through grants, capacity-building efforts, and emergency response programs, United Way NWT supports local non-profits and charities in addressing social challenges and building stronger communities. To learn more, visit https://nwt.unitedway.ca/.
About the PSAC Social Justice Fund
The PSAC Social Justice Fund provides assistance with humanitarian relief within Canada and around the world. Many UNW bargaining units contribute to the Fund through negotiated employer donations. To learn more, visit https://psacunion.ca/social-justice-fund.
Media Contact:
Linda Bussey – Executive Director, United Way NWT
ED@nwt.unitedway.ca | 1 (867) 446-4380
