Communities and organizations in Calgary rally to support evacuees fleeing fires in the N.W.T | CBC News

Organizations, community associations and individuals in Calgary are pulling together to help out evacuees from the Northwest Territories as they continue to make their way south to Alberta. 

The Calgary Airport Authority said one flight full of evacuees was expected to land in the city Saturday, while others have been directed to Winnipeg, according to the government of the N.W.T.

The wildfire situation in the territory has forced thousands from their homes in Yellowknife, prompting an evacuation order for Friday afternoon. 

A number of those seeking safety have made their way to Calgary as flights were directed to YYC and resources, including shelter spaces were made available over the last two days. 

“We’re trying to mobilize a bit here, to be able to help with what’s needed in the city,” said Anne Yates-Laberge, the executive director with the Hillhurst United Church.

“One of the gaps that we see is there are a lot of people asking how can I help?”

Yates-Laberge’s organization is creating a database of people who are offering support and people who need support and matching them. Yates-Laberge said, they’ve had 25 people come forward so far — among those, 12 offers have been for housing — and that number is expected to grow.

Over the last two days, YYC Calgary International Airport received a total of 41 evacuee flights from Northwest Territories with around 3,570 passengers according to the city.