The Red Deer Express and Black Press are offering their readers the opportunity to contribute to the Fort McMurray relief efforts.

Please join us in supporting the Canadian Red Cross. Both the federal and provincial governments are matching donations to assist the estimated 83,000 residents who were displaced by the wildfires.

You can donate as little as $5 by clicking on the donate button at Black Press Supports Fort McMurray Relief Efforts at www.blackpress4good.com/blackpress4fortmac

Alberta has declared a state of emergency as crews continue to battle the raging wildfires that have forced the largest fire evacuation in the province’s history.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Fort McMurray who are suffering through the devastation of losing their homes. Newspapers and their readers have a long history of rallying to help those in need and we’d like to continue that tradition.” said Mary Kemmis, president of the Alberta/East Kootenay division of Black Press.

More than 1,600 homes and structures have been burned to the ground and the displaced residents are in desperate need of support.

Black Press is the largest independently owned newspaper company in Canada with more than 150 titles in print and online.