Grant announced to support Jasper evacuees in Edmonton

PWRDF is supporting the Diocese of Edmonton with a solidarity grant of $5,000 in response to the recent wildfires that destroyed many homes and businesses in Jasper on July 25, 2025. St. Mary and St. George Anglican Church was among them.

Shortly after the town’s evacuation, PWRDF was in contact with Bishop Stephen London to offer support through our In-Canada Emergency Fund. The grant will fund the work of the Jasper Community Team Society at All Saints’ Cathedral in Edmonton.

This Jasper-based group is currently providing people from Jasper – primarily young temporary foreign workers – with breathing space, support and guidance, said Sarah Kemp, Assistant to Bishop Stephen London. “They were working out of a downtown Edmonton hotel, but we are able to offer them space at no charge, and access to a kitchen and bathrooms,” she said via email. The Cathedral will incur some costs around this (such as for cleaning, supplies, and computer set up), though other agencies, such as the Edmonton Food Bank and Catholic Social Services, have also stepped up to help this group.

“At their peak last week they were serving 60 people per day. That has slowed, though we expect it may remain steady until people are allowed back to Jasper,” she said.

How you can help

Please keep the people of Jasper and those affected by these destructive wildfires in your prayers. You can also give to PWRDF’s In-Canada Emergency Response Fund at pwrdf.org/give-today, and choose In-Canada Emergency Response Fund. Donations to this fund will help support further responses in Jasper according to the community needs, or other emergencies in Canada. Learn more about the fund.