The Fire Aid event Wood Buffalo Rocks was a smashing success, and the United Way can definitely use the proceeds to help out members of the community in need and those who have lost most if not all of their property and belongings because of the wildfire that swept through Wood Buffalo. Many who were evacuated came home to nothing, with everything destroyed or turned into ash. Fire Aid for Fort McMurray was a benefit concert held on June 30, 2106 in Edmonton at the Commonwealth Stadium. Wood Buffalo residents could watch the entire event for free though, right at MacDonald Island Park. The event sold over 30,000 tickets and the United Way is expected to receive around $2 million as a result.
After the Wood Buffalo Rocks Fire Aid event the local director for the United Way, Diane Shannon, expressed her patriotism and pride in her country, saying “The spirit of Canada has never been stronger and deeper. On Canada Day, I hope you sing O Canada as you’ve never sung it before.” Mayor Melissa Blake addressed the Edmonton crowd at the stadium and told them “I love the crowd. I love the energy. I love what’s happening. Absolutely outstanding. We love you right back.” There si no denying that the residents of Wood Buffalo could use a little entertainment after their forced evacuation and everything else that they have gone through recently. The event was a welcome break from the process of recovering and rebuilding, and the residents needed a little time off with some great distractions.