Fort McMurray evacuees who've arrived in the area say they've been struck by the generosity shown by their fellow Albertans.
Fort McMurray evacuees who've arrived in the area say they've been struck by the generosity shown by their fellow Albertans.
Tracy Odo took a plane out of the fire-ravaged city with her husband and son last Wednesday and is currently staying with family in Bowden.
She heard there were residents collecting goods for evacuees at Cornerstone Mall so she headed over to pick up a Hot Wheels car for her six-year-old son Thomas.
"And that's when waterworks happened and I just cried. I was doing so well and this one young lady came over and hugged me," Odo said.
"While I'm standing there, five cars actually pulled up and opened up their trunks and it was filled – filled – with toys and blankets and clothes. As Canadians, that's what we do. People have opened up empty apartments. We just give and as a Canadian, I'm very proud of that."
Tracy Heck evacuated on Tuesday, flying to Edmonton where she met with her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend. From there, they drove down to Didsbury.
"I was overwhelmed by the friendliness, the generosity of the people of Olds and the area. It's unbelievable. I've met people on the street who asked if we needed a room or a house. Everywhere we go, we're getting hugs and donations given to us. It's amazing," Heck said.
Both women say their houses have been spared by the fires, although Heck is unsure how much smoke and water damage has been done.
"The best we could have hoped for was we all get out safe. If it burns, it burns, there's nothing we can do," she said.
It's not yet known when residents will be able to return home. Until then, she is renting in Olds.
The two also say they will return to Fort McMurray and rebuild the city.
"We've already offered our basement to friends of ours," Odo said. "I figure I can fit two families in my basement. I'll probably offer free childcare if people need it."
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