OTTAWA, Aug. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Red Cross is encouraging people who are impacted by fires in Northwest Territories to register with Red Cross online or by calling 1-800-863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT, seven days a week.

Registration with the Red Cross ensures people can be contacted while away from home and can be reached with information on Red Cross services and assistance that may become available. Registering also helps to understand needs and impacts of people during this challenging time.

The Red Cross continues to work closely with community leadership and all levels of government to help people impacted as quickly as possible and to provide humanitarian assistance for needs as they arise.

The Red Cross provides assistance upon request and is currently working in support of the City of Edmonton with emergency lodging for people arriving at the Expo Centre. Additionally, at the request of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency and local municipalities, the Canadian Red Cross is providing supplies including cots and blankets throughout Alberta.

Those wishing to help are encouraged to make a donation to the 2023 Northwest Territories Fires Appeal online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for immediate and ongoing relief, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the fires in Northwest Territories. Donations may also support communities assisting those impacted, as well as preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Northwest Territories and the region.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog Red Cross donor inquiries: [email protected] or 1-800-418-1111

About the Canadian Red Cross Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.

MEDIA CONTACTS:English Media: 1-877-599-9602French Media: 1-888-418-9111

Source: Canadian Red Cross / Croix-Rouge canadienne