Governments of Canada and Manitoba Match Red Cross Donations to Help those Impacted by Wildfires

Press Release

June 4, 2025

The governments of Canada and Manitoba reinforced their commitment to support those affected by the wildfires through a donation-matching initiative with the Canadian Red Cross.

Through this initiative, both the federal government and provincial government will match every dollar donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.

For each appeal, every $1 donated will become $3 to support the families and individuals most impacted by wildfires. Donation matching will be open for 30 days, retroactive to when each appeal first opened on May 28.

The federal government will match donations up to $30 million and the provincial government will match donations up to $15 million.

The funds raised will be used to assist those impacted in Manitoba with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Manitoba.

Thousands of Manitobans have been displaced as wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province. In response, the Canadian Red Cross is working closely with Indigenous leadership and all levels of government to provide emergency accommodations, personal services and critical information to people who have been forced from their homes.

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are committed to continued doing everything they can to support all those affected.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation to help those impacted by wildfires in Manitoba or Saskatchewan can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

Quotes

“I would like to express my heartfelt support for the people and the communities that are affected by wildfires across the country. As wildfires continue to impact communities across the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we are committed to working closely with the provincial governments, Indigenous leadership and the Canadian Red Cross to ensure a co-ordinated and compassionate response. By matching donations to the Red Cross, we are encouraging the people of Canada to come together in support of those affected and to help communities recover and rebuild with strength and resilience.” — Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

“Since the start of the evacuation process, the people of Manitoba have stepped up and shown incredible kindness and empathy toward their fellow citizens facing hardship during a crisis. The provincial government is proud to reflect those values and, on their behalf, we have humbly stood with the federal government and the Canadian Red Cross to support evacuees and their families from the moment they begin to navigate the challenges of staying secure and healthy while away from their communities until they can safely return home.” — Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for emergency management for Manitoba

“This has been a devastating beginning to wildfire season in Canada and our thoughts are with those impacted by the fires. The Canadian Red Cross is grateful for the generosity of people living in Canada, and to the Government of Canada for their support of people impacted by wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Red Cross is committed to providing support to people in the immediate days of the response, as well as for recovery.” — Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO, Canadian Red Cross

Quick Facts

• On May 29, Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski approved two requests for federal assistance from the Manitoba government to support evacuation efforts in response to the devastating wildfires threatening the Cree Nation of Pimicikamak and the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation.
• Donations to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal can be made online at www.redcross.ca or by phone at 1-800-418-1111.
• Manitoba wildfire web page has up-to-date evacuation information at https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/index.html. Manitobans seeking information or supports can call the Manitoba government call centre at 204-945-4772.
• Government of Canada information and resources: Wildfires
• FireSmart Canada

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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