PPCLI regimental crest in mourning
WAINWRIGHT — While Canadians mourn the four soldiers killed in the CFB Wainwright tragedy, military and veteran support organizations say the wounded and their families are in need of support.
Thirty-nine military members were initially hospitalized following the Oct. 17 fire. Premier Danielle Smith said Wednesday that 12 have since been discharged, while 27 remain in hospital, including 13 in critical condition.
Canadian Blood Services is encouraging Canadians to donate blood as hospitals continue caring for the wounded.
The organization is monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Alberta and working with health-care partners to maintain supplies of blood and blood products.
Blood donations cannot be designated for a specific patient, but Canada operates a national blood system, allowing donations made in one part of the country to support patients where blood is needed.
“Donating blood is one meaningful way to support patients in Canada, both now and in the weeks ahead,” Canadian Blood Services said.
Appointments can be booked through Canadian Blood Services or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
For those unable to donate blood, there are still several ways to assist injured soldiers and their families through financial donations, temporary accommodation, essential supplies and longer-term recovery support.
Support Our Troops has established a CFB Wainwright Support Fund following the tragedy.
Support Our Troops, the official charitable cause of the Canadian Armed Forces, says the fund will provide financial relief and assistance to affected military members and their families.
The organization says many military families are facing significant challenges and contributions will help meet immediate needs while supporting those affected as their recovery continues.
The Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre is also accepting support for military families dealing with injury, hospitalization and loss.
The organization provides practical, emotional and mental-health support to military families. Donations can be made through the Edmonton MFRC sponsorship and donations page.
People wanting to discuss directing assistance specifically toward families affected by the Wainwright tragedy can contact the MFRC at funddev@mfrcedmonton.com or 780-973-4011, ext. 528-6324.
Several families affected by the fire are also staying at Valour Place in Edmonton.
The charity provides free temporary accommodation for military members, veterans, first responders and their families who need to remain near medical treatment.
Valour Place maintains a wishlist of supplies for its guests, including grocery and gas gift cards, bottled water, coffee and tea, paper products, cleaning supplies, bus tickets, family entertainment passes and double- or queen-sized quilts.
Items can also be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Valour Place, 11109 111 Ave. NW in Edmonton. Financial contributions can be made through its donation page.
Legacy Place Society is also co-ordinating assistance for families affected by the Wainwright tragedy.
The organization has established a benevolence appeal and is collecting offers of temporary accommodation and other practical assistance for relatives and friends travelling to be with injured soldiers.
Financial contributions can be made through Legacy Place Society, while people able to provide lodging or other resources can submit an offer through its Wainwright support program.
Legacy Place is also collecting cards and letters of support for affected soldiers and their families.
Longer-term assistance is available through organizations including Wounded Warriors Canada, which provides mental-health, trauma recovery and bereavement programs for military members, veterans and their families.
Together We Stand is also providing support through its Operation Emergency Fund for Canadian military families facing emergencies and financial hardship.
Final arrangements have yet to be announced for the four soldiers who died in the fire.
Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark will be laid to rest at a later date.
Details are expected to be released in the coming days by the Department of National Defence or through local regimental announcements.
Support organizations involved in the response say assistance will continue to be important as soldiers and their families move beyond the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and into recovery.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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