Many ways Winnipeggers can help: Evacuee support group
Posted June 11, 2025 6:27 pm.
Last Updated June 11, 2025 9:20 pm.
It’s been nearly two weeks since wildfires forced a mass evacuation in northern Manitoba — and the needs of evacuees displaced from their homes are changing.
“Hygiene products, new clothing and underwear — a lot of the sites aren’t taking used clothing anymore,” said Erica Daniels, a community helper. “So brand-new items are what people are taking in. And baby supplies. You’re always going to need more Pampers, wipes and formula.”
Daniels sprang into action when evacuees began arriving in Winnipeg.
“As a mother myself, I can’t imagine having, you know, 20 minutes to pack up your life and leave your community — so that really hit hard for me,” she said.
She loaded her truck with high-need items and delivered them directly to evacuation sites across the city. What started as a group of four women has now grown to 70 people doing this work.
“It’s just a really beautiful thing to see — community coming together in a time of crisis to help our relatives,” said Daniels.
In addition to donating hygiene and baby supplies, Winnipeggers are being asked to keep an eye out for evacuees in the city.
Isabel Daniels, victim of crime liaison for the Anish Healing Centre, says many evacuees are not familiar with Winnipeg — and city residents can help them navigate unfamiliar surroundings.
“Make sure that you’re looking at somebody’s body language,” she said. “Ask them if they’re okay. Ask them if they know where they are, or if they need some help. Make sure you’re interrupting kindly — but also keep yourself safe.”
She advises evacuees to always travel in pairs, keep their phone location settings turned on, and let a loved one know where they’re going, who they’re with and when they expect to return.
Daniels also urges caution around strangers offering a night out — and says people should walk away from any situation that doesn’t feel right.
She would like to see children’s organizations open their doors to evacuees so kids can get out of hotels and take part in fun activities.
