Healing Together

Battlefords Healthcare Foundation Launches “Healing Together” Initiative to Support Families Impacted by Wildfires

BATTLEFORDS, SK – June 5, 2025 – As wildfires continue to escalate in frequency and severity across Saskatchewan, the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation (BHC Foundation) is stepping up to provide compassionate, community-driven support for those affected particularly vulnerable residents from northern and rural areas.

The Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a short-term emergency relief initiative: “Healing Together: Community Care for Wildfire-Affected Families”

This two-week campaign will mobilize local donors and community members to support families and individuals displaced or impacted by wildfires. The Foundation is asking for donations in two ways:

• Purchase and drop off new comfort and trauma kit items at the BHC Foundation office

• Make a minimum $25 donation to support the Foundation in assembling and distributing complete kits

With several northern First Nations and remote communities under evacuation alert or order, the Battlefords may see an influx of evacuees requiring temporary healthcare, mental health services, and basic care supplies.

“While emergency response is not part of our traditional scope, this crisis calls for compassion, collaboration, and rapid support,” said Leanne Ducommun, Executive Director of the BHC Foundation. “We’re inviting our community to come together in the spirit of healing to provide comfort and care to those navigating uncertainty and trauma.”

Comfort and Trauma Kits May Include:

• Basic care items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, socks

• Comfort items: soft blankets, stuffed animals, tea, bath salts, essential oils, stress balls

• Mental wellness tools: journals, notebooks, coloring books, pens, crayons, fidget toys, water bottles

Kits will be distributed in partnership with organizations such as the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), BRTHC6, and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Association.

The “Healing Together” campaign will run for two weeks. All kits whether donated in-kind or funded through monetary gifts will be distributed within that period to those in need.

Donation Drop-Off Location: BHC Foundation Office, Main Lobby of Battlefords Union Hospital Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.