UM supports wildfire evacuation efforts
UM donation centres closing June 20, public drop-off locations still available
Updated: June 19, 2025
Since early June, the University of Manitoba has been supporting the Province of Manitoba’s emergency response to the province’s wildfire situation.
In coordination with the Province and the Red Cross, UM designated specific locations on campus to accommodate evacuees, reallocating food services, caretaking, and security resources to ensure guests’ comfort and safety.
UM also supported visiting fire crews, offering a place to rest, regroup, and receive meals as they awaited deployment.
“We’re happy to support the Province during this difficult time,” says UM President and Vice Chancellor, Michael Benarroch. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the wildfires. As the university for Manitoba, we remain committed to supporting our community in times of crisis.”
We want to remind all members of our community that resources are available for students and employees who need support during this difficult time.
Donation information
The University of Manitoba’s donation centres will close at the end of the day on Friday, June 20. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported our efforts to assist evacuees—your generosity has made a meaningful difference.
If you’d still like to help, there are other ways to contribute.
The Manitoba Métis Federation is continuing to collect new donations at the following locations, effective Saturday, June 7:
- 406 McGregor Street – Open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- 770 Leila Avenue – Open daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- 25 Ray Marius Road – Open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Going forward, only new clothing will be accepted to help streamline distribution and ensure evacuees receive clean, ready-to-wear items quickly.
View MMF updates and guidelines
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is also accepting donations to support evacuees. Based on current needs, SCO is asking for the following items:
- Accessibility items: Canes, toilet seat risers, walkers, wheelchairs
- Baby needs: Diapers, formula, bottles, playpens, strollers, etc.
- Clothing: New socks, new underwear (especially plus sizes), sun hats, children’s hats, swimsuits (new or gently used)
- Hygiene supplies: Menstrual products, deodorant, razors, adult diapers, sunscreen, etc.
- Household items: Laundry soap, new or gently used microwaves
- Food and snacks: Granola bars, drink boxes, ramen cups, etc. (sealed, non-perishable)
- Gift cards and bottled/distilled water
Donations can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at:
- 1572 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg (main drop-off location)
- 2B 136–11th Street, Brandon
- #D016 – 1450 Main Street, Dauphin (open 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. only)
Thank you for continuing to support wildfire evacuees across Manitoba.
Red Cross accepting monetary donations
Those who would like to make a monetary donation to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal can do so online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.