The City of Flin Flon is putting together a donation drive this weekend for people evacuated from Pukatawagan.
The City will set up donation sites at several areas across Flin Flon, including at this weekend's Blueberry Jam Music Gathering, to gather items for evacuees. Those items will then be distributed to areas where people have been moved, particularly to hotels in The Pas, where many evacuees have been staying for weeks.
People were evacuated from Pukatawagan last month after a forest fire quickly moved toward the community, causing residents to be taken to The Pas, Thompson, Winnipeg and other locations.
City of Flin Flon recreation director Andrew Smith said the idea of a donation drive came after a Pukatawagan resident contacted the City and told staff of a need for several types of items - donations needed include clothing for all ages, personal hygiene products, kids' toys, games and art supplies and other items.
"We're working with an organizer from Pukatawagan itself - they will be assisting us with that," said Smith.
Items can be dropped off at Blueberry Jam as well as at the Walmart/Canadian Tire parking lot, City Hall and the Whitney Forum this weekend - donations will be picked up Monday and sent away to evacuees. Some local businesses, including the Flin Flon Canadian Tire, have already made donations to the drive as of Friday afternoon.
"For people who are in hotels right now, we're looking to entertain and assist for them," Smith said.
