As wildfires rage in northern Ontario, burning more than 3,500 sq. km. of bush and rural land to the north and west of Thunder Bay, people in Haliburton have been working hard this week gathering donations to help those most impacted.
Striking Community Living Trent Highlands employees launched a donation drive on Monday (July 20). County residents Phylis Baker and Michelle Cooper came up with the idea after seeing heartbreaking stories on the news about people who have lost everything.
“Some had to flee their homes with only the clothes on their back. It made us think how there are a lot of people with a lot worse problems than we have right now – and we really wanted to help,” Baker told The Highlander.
Around 4,500 Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) workers are into their ninth week striking – including approximately 310 Community Living Trent Highlands employees.
Baker said morale was starting to dip on the picket lines, but this week’s efforts have reinvigorated many. Baker said she doesn’t know of any personal connections between local OPSEU members and those impacted in the Thunder Bay region, but that hasn’t stopped all 35 County-based strikers from pitching in. Affiliated donations drives have also been held in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes.
Living on Horseshoe Lake near Minden, Baker said she knows all too well how quickly things can spiral out of control when Mother Nature turns.
“We’ve gone through a lot here in Haliburton County with the flooding in Minden and the two ice storms. But this community is very giving. As soon as I put this out there, so many jumped on it. We’ve had so many items donated to us, it just fills our heart so much to see such an incredible response,” Baker said.
OPSEU Local 358 president Jessica Bushey said key items needed in the north include diapers, baby wipes, baby bottles, toiletries, personal care items, feminine hygiene products, underwear, socks, nonperishable food, bottled water, new clothing and blankets, books, puzzles, games and toys.
Items can be dropped off at Rotary Park in Minden on Thursday (July 23) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Head Lake Park in Haliburton on Friday (July 24) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Earlier in the week, workers were gathered in front of the Community Living Trent Highlands office space at 73 Victoria St. and on Maple Avenue near the bridge.
Bushey credited Baker and Cooper for inspiring the effort, saying it’s been great to see people band together and do some good while struggling themselves.
“We believe in taking care of each other. When communities experience crisis, we show up because solidarity means standing together when people need support the most,” Bushey said.
Baker said the effort will wrap this week as she wants to make sure people receive the items as soon as possible. She’s coordinating delivery of all donations, with the Native Friendship Centre in Peterborough helping with logistics. People can also donate cash via e-transfer, Baker said. To give, contact phylisbaker@ hotmail.com.
Stanhope deploys firefighters
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry confirmed on Tuesday (July 21) that firefighters from its Stanhope location had been deployed north to help. Spokesperson Mike Fenn said workers are busy on the ground around the clock.
“Given the elevated wildfire situation and operational requirements, we are unable to accommodate an interview at this time,” Fenn said.
As of Wednesday (July 22) afternoon, there were 146 active wildland fires burning in northwestern Ontario. Of those, 53 are considered out of control, six are being held, seven under control and 80 observed. Evacuation efforts are in effect for areas around Thunder Bay, Dryden and Fort Frances.
There are another 43 active blazes in the northeast region, near Wawa and Cochrane. Officials say five are under control, one is being held, five are not under control and the rest being observed.
More than a dozen communities have been forced to evacuate, including 10 First Nations, uprooting more than 2,400 people according to the CBC. People have been relocated to host communities across the province, including Barrie, Toronto and Niagara Falls.
