Wawa-news.com Local and Regional News
Jul 21, 2026 at 08:32
Update as of July 20, 16:23.
In response to the devastating wildfires affecting communities across Northwestern Ontario, United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation have partnered to establish the Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund.
The new Fund was created in response to inquiries from individuals, workplaces, organizations, and United Ways across Canada seeking meaningful ways to support communities impacted by the wildfires. The Fund offers a trusted, coordinated way for donors to help meet both the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities, providing coordinated support to front-line agencies and service providers responding to the immediate needs of affected communities, while also investing in longer-term recovery efforts as those communities begin to rebuild.
“The response to the wildfires has demonstrated the strength and compassion of communities across Northwestern Ontario and across Canada,” says Albert Brulé, CEO, United Way of Thunder Bay. “People want to help, and this partnership provides a trusted way to ensure donations are directed where they are needed most—both during the immediate response and throughout the recovery process.”
United Way of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Community Foundation will work together to steward the Fund. Funding decisions will be made jointly by the two organizations, informed by ongoing consultation with the City of Thunder Bay Community Support Table, Indigenous organizations, and other community partners. This collaborative approach will help identify emerging needs and ensure support reaches front-line agencies and service providers assisting evacuees and affected communities.
Recognizing that recovery extends well beyond the immediate emergency, the Fund will support both emergency response initiatives and longer-term recovery and resilience efforts. As community needs evolve, a portion of the Fund will be dedicated to recovery initiatives administered through the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, with both organizations participating in the review and approval of grants.
“Disasters don’t end when the immediate crisis passes,” says Athena Kreiner, CEO, Thunder Bay Community Foundation. “Communities continue to face challenges long after people return home. By working together, we can help ensure support is available throughout the entire journey—from relief to recovery to resilience.”
Individuals, workplaces, service clubs, and organizations wishing to support the Fund can make a secure online donation by visiting:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/northwestern-ontario-wildfire-community-support-fund
Every donation will help strengthen the network of front-line agencies and service providers supporting wildfire-affected communities across Northwestern Ontario.
About United Way of Thunder Bay
United Way of Thunder Bay brings people and organizations together to address complex social issues and create lasting community change. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and community leadership, United Way works to improve lives and build stronger, healthier communities.
About Thunder Bay Community Foundation
Thunder Bay Community Foundation connects donors with community needs by building endowment funds and investing in charitable initiatives that strengthen communities today and for generations to come.
- First Nation Leaders to Hold Press Conference to Address Ontario’s Wildfire Response - July 21, 2026
- Northwestern Ontario Community Support Fund Established - July 21, 2026
- Men’s Night Golf – Results of July 16th - July 21, 2026
