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Want to do more to help those in Fort McMurray?

Many local businesses have already committed to the fund that will be used to match private donations
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Along with thousands of other Fort McMurray residents Cheryl MacNeil had to pack her belongings and leave her home behind Tuesday afternoon. Supplied photo

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA’S WATER TOWER INN

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Challenging the community to donate to Fort McMurray relief effort

Sault Ste. Marie Residents have the opportunity to double their contribution to provide relief in Fort McMurray.

Algoma's Water Tower Inn and Suites and SooToday have issued a challenge to Sault residents to help raise money to provide relief to those in Fort McMurray.

“We cannot conceive of the devastation in Fort McMurray and we feel for all the people who have lost so much,” said JJ Hilsinger. “Fort McMurray citizens desperately need our help to stay safe and to rebuild.”

The two local organizations have already begun to reach out to local businesses with the hopes of raising at least $25,000 that will be used to match donations from private Sault Ste. Marie residents.

Community members will be able to donate to a special webpage developed by the Red Cross specifically for the Water Tower Inn and SooToday initiative in the coming days.

SooToday will share the link to the page once it is ready.

The initiative, which was spearheaded by Water Tower Inn owners JJ Hilsinger and Donna Hilsinger, in partnership with SooToday CEO Jeff Elgie, has already been well received.

Within hours of conceiving of the fundraising campaign and reaching out into the community, many local businesses have already committed to the fund that will be used to match private donations.

All funds raised will be donated to the Red Cross’ Fort McMurray Relief fundraising efforts.  

Additionally, the Government of Canada has pledged that they will match all donations to the Canadian Red Cross designated to relief efforts for the ravaged city.

Businesses who wish to be part of the effort to match community donations can email [email protected].

More information coming soon.

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