Mayor Reimer challenges locals to donate to Red Cross Fort McMurray fire appeal

File Photo Redcliff Mayor Ernie Reimer has issued a challenge to all citizens of Redcliff and local politicians to match his personal donation of $100 to help Fort McMurray fire victims.

Mayor Ernie Reimer has issued a challenge to all of the citizens of Redcliff, as well as local politicians, reeves and mayors, to match his personal donation of $100 to the Red Cross to support Fort McMurray fire victims.

“Our hearts go out to them,” says Reimer. “I am making a $100 donation, and I am making a plea for all my fellow citizens to follow suit. The federal government has just announced they will match the Red Cross dollar for dollar for the contributions that will go to the cause. As the elected leader of our community, I am doing what should be expected of all our leaders in politics. And maybe other folks, because the mayor is doing it, would follow suit.”

Reimer says he can’t even imagine the devastation the people of Fort McMurray must be going through right now.

“Obviously there is not a whole lot else we can do. We are sitting back here secure, and there are all these people going through this huge disaster in their lives that it will take a lifetime to recover from. I was just thinking this morning: What would we expect if we were in their shoes? You never know if a huge twister came through here or a big hailstorm or any other disaster. I thought this would be a good gesture. I thought it would be my opportunity and my responsibility.”

In order to donate to the “Red Cross Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal” visit the website donate.redcross.ca and click on the links to give.