Thunder Bay, Ontario — Support continues to pour in for wildfire evacuees in Thunder Bay, with one organization saying it's received thousands of donations in support of people displaced by the fires burning across northwestern Ontario.
Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) has transformed its warehouse on Beaverhall Place in the community into a donation hub, and has accepted thousands of donations for evacuees. "This is pretty full and it's only been a couple days," shared David Neegan, executive director of KKETS. "It was something I did not expect." "I expected maybe a little corner here, a little corner there, but I didn't expect to actually fill this whole building," he shared.
"And, and this is an 18,004 (square foot) building, and we pretty well filled the whole building" "I love the Lakehead of Thunder Bay because look at the generosity of all the people within the urban centre." The donations include toys, playpens, clothing, and strollers, KKETS remarked, adding that striking OPSEU Area 740 workers assisted KKETS staff and volunteers to help organize the donations. Essential items are also being provided to evacuees at the Fort William Gardens in the regional capital, which has been converted into an evacuation centre. "It's not citizens specific, so it's open to the entire province. So if if there's a area that feels they need to evacuate, they're welcome to the centre," remarked Jason Kay, site commander for the Loomex Group, which is operating the centre in partnership with the Red Cross.
Some rec programs can be established for some kids.
"We offer full amenities," he remarked. "There's sleeping arrangements, there's shower facilities, there's healthcare, there's mental health. Some rec programs can be established for some kids. We have urgent response food, baby supplies, catering, dining and food is accessible on a regular basis." Kay stated the site is designed to give people immediate relief and help them relax during a very difficult time. "I would just like people to know it's here and it's available to use," he stated. "Staff are friendly, everyone's friendly, and our mission here is to make sure everyone's provided with a safe place, food, shelter and some assurance that we're going to be taking care of them until they can get back home and get back safely." Meanwhile, the Ontario SPCA is expanding its urgent situation support services for animals displaced by the wildfires. The organization advised Tuesday it's providing a number of services, including working with Airbnb to find pet-friendly, temporary dwelling units so evacuees can stay with their pets, and providing crisis pet food and supplies, including crates, leashes, collars, harnesses, and bowls. Free in-person veterinary services and telehealth support is also being provided, and adoptable animals from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre in the regional capital are being transported south, to provide temporary shelter for animals while families get settled. "The situation continues to evolve every day, and we know more families may need support in the days and weeks ahead,” Shawna Beaulieu, northwestern Ontario regional director with Ontario SPCA and Humane Society advised in a media release. “When families arrive at evacuation centres, we want to make sure they have the pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and other support they need to stay together while they focus on getting through this critical incident", shared Beaulieu. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered onCBC Gem..
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📍 Source: CBC News Thunder Bay · By: CBC News Staff · 🗓️ July 24, 2026 · 🏠 ThunderBay.Online
