Over 200 evacuees recently arrived in North Battleford, fleeing from the devastating wildfires affecting La Ronge and surrounding areas. Among them, 170 were registered through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), while an additional 30 came under the care of the Red Cross. Recognizing the urgent needs of these displaced families, the mayor of North Battleford reached out to me and two other pastors for assistance. One of the immediate concerns was helping evacuees access clean clothing, so we contacted the Ministerial Association to discuss how we could respond effectively.
Through the support of our churches, the Ministerial Association quickly mobilized and gathered financial donations to cover laundry services for these families. We also contacted local restaurants, many of which generously offered to donate unlimited food to feed the evacuees. It was a deeply moving experience to see how our community came together in such a short time to meet these urgent needs. Working alongside the mayor’s office, we coordinated a collective response that ensured families would not go without basic essentials, demonstrating the strength of compassion and unity in North Battleford.
The North Battleford Seventh-day Adventist Church has been at the front line of these relief efforts, actively participating in the coordination and delivery of services. In a remarkable act of support, our Bags of Love director met with the SPSA director, who requested our help in providing care packages for young children who had lost everything in the fire. These Bags of Love are designed to bring comfort and hope to children in crisis, filled with toys, toiletries, clothing, and other comforting items. This effort is just one example of how our church is extending Christ’s love in a very practical way during this time of great need.
Stephanie Yamniuk, ADRA Canada’s Regional Manager for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut, praised the swift and compassionate response:
“I was happy to hear that our pastor in North Battleford was contacted by the mayor to find a solution—a way to help the evacuees. I know his church is already active in the community; they are a big part of the community they live in.”
By Pastor Fady Fakhoury, District Pastor
