Prince George, B.C. – Once the massive wildfire in Alberta settles down, members of the Fort McMurray Fire Department can expect to receive something special from Prince George.

A week long fundraiser launched by local business owner Normand Canuel raised just over $6,500.

Normand Canuel with wife Susanne Wolf – photo 250News

He raised that amount by pledging 25% of the weekly gross receipts from his store Tops and Bottoms. His other business, Norcan Consulting Ltd., matched that donation.

Canuel then dipped into his own wallet to round the donation up to $7,000. He plans to send it over as soon as possible.

“As soon as they slow down a bit. Once everything settles down we will direct the money to the fire department to use as they see fit,” says Canuel. “If they want to throw a party for their staff or put it back into the community, whatever they want to do. I think they’ve done an amazing job.”

What compelled him to act?

“I think we as Canadians should all chip in at one point or another and these people in Fort McMurray, not only losing their homes, but part of their livelihoods are gone. It’s going to be a nightmare to return to I’m sure. So if we could help, that’s all I wanted to do.”