In brief

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This article was published 03/06/2025 (296 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Shelter set up for evacuees’ pets

THE Winnipeg Humane Society is opening a temporary shelter in the St. Norbert Community Centre for the pets of wildfire evacuees.

About 60 animals can be cared for, including exercise in the indoor hockey rink at the site. The WHS expects to start welcoming pets this morning.

Families will have designated visiting hours to spend time with their pets and help care for them while staying elsewhere.

“We know how important it is to families that all family members are cared for, especially in difficult times. We are so grateful to have this space to offer care and comfort to these animals, while providing families opportunities to stay connected with their beloved companions,” WHS CEO Christina Von Schindler said in a news release.

The organization is working with Humane Canada and the Red Cross and is encouraging evacuees to register with the Red Cross if they have pets with them.

Catering company seeks help

A Winnipeg catering company is scrambling to feed 1,250 wildfire evacuees every night for the next week.

Dustin Peltier, the owner of Loaf and Honey, is one of a group of chefs who got a call from local non-profit Community Helpers Unite on Sunday about a food drive for evacuees from Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and Flin Flon staying at a Winnipeg soccer complex.

Peltier said he and the other four chefs immediately got to work reaching out to local food suppliers and preparing to make huge amounts of chili, potato salad, vegetables and bread rolls.

“We’re scrambling to get the meal out (Monday), kind of with no plan or organization. And then (Monday night), we’re going to take a breath and plan out the rest of the week,” Peltier said Monday.

They’ve taken to social media, seeking extra dishwashers and food prep staff to email them at chefstrecker@gmail.com or send them a message on Instagram at @loafandhoney.

It’s a way they can do their part to ensure evacuees feel safe and welcome, Peltier said.

“They’ve kind of been out and displaced, and they need some good nutrients in them — something that’s hearty and kind of going to help them get there and be comfortable,” he said.

Métis federation has new donation spot

THE Manitoba Métis Federation has a new location for dropping off items intended for wildfire evacuees.

The new location is 25 Ray Marius Rd., in the St. Boniface Industrial Park area, the MMF said in a news release Monday.

The previous location was on McGregor Street.

MPI donates $100K

to Red Cross

MANITOBA Public Insurance is donating $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help wildfire evacuees.

“This is a devastating situation, and it is incumbent on us to step up and help people who have had to evacuate their homes and leave everything behind in the interest of safety,” MPI CEO Satvir Jatana said in a news release Monday.

“At times like these, we need to come together as a community and offer whatever support we can to ease the suffering so many people are experiencing.”

Donations to the Red Cross can be made at wfp.to/redcross or 1-800-418-1111.