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WAINWRIGHT, Alta. – Canadians looking to support military members and families affected by the deadly grass fire at CFB Wainwright can contribute to a dedicated fund established by Support Our Troops and True Patriot Love.
The CFB Wainwright Support Fund is collecting donations to provide direct relief, assistance and other support to families affected by the Oct. 17 tragedy, which killed four Canadian Armed Forces members and injured 39 others.
“Your generosity will help provide direct relief and assistance to impacted members of the military community and their families,” the organizations said in their fundraising appeal.
Donations can be made through the official CFB Wainwright Support Fund website.
The appeal comes as dozens of injured soldiers continue recovering from the fire.
According to the latest reported figures, 27 Canadian Armed Forces members remained hospitalized, including 13 in critical condition.
Of the 39 soldiers injured in the fire, 19 were initially reported to be in critical condition.
Several soldiers suffered severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries and skin grafts.
Among the wounded is 27-year-old Pte. Liam Ramage, who suffered third- and fourth-degree burns to approximately 40 per cent of his body while attempting to help others during the fire.
Ramage has been undergoing treatment in intensive care, including surgeries and skin grafts.
Ten specialized burn nurses and a burn surgeon from Toronto’s Sunnybrook burn centre were brought to Alberta to assist medical teams treating injured soldiers.
The tragedy occurred on the afternoon of Oct. 17 when a grass fire broke out during military training exercises at CFB Wainwright.
According to military officials, the fire ignited in an area where soldiers were using live ammunition and spread rapidly because of strong winds.
Four members of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were killed.
The fallen soldiers were identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, Pte. Shaun Farrell and Pte. Aidan Goulding.
Farrell, 23, was scheduled to be laid to rest Wednesday in his hometown of Prince Albert, Sask., while Goulding, also 23, is expected to be honoured during a funeral service Nov. 8 at the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver.
The Canadian Forces Military Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Support Our Troops and True Patriot Love say the fundraising effort is intended to help ease the financial and personal burdens facing military families as they deal with injuries, loss and recovery.
“In moments of tragedy, the strength of our military community is found in the support we provide one another,” the fundraising appeal states.
The organizations say contributions will help ensure affected military members and their families receive timely assistance, care and comfort during their recovery.
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