When one of our communities is in need, we rise to the challenge. The Fort McMurray floods were no different, and we’re proud that we were able to help our communities in northern Alberta during this trying time.
Just four years after the devastating Fort McMurray fires, the community found themselves reeling again from yet another natural disaster. On April 26, rising waters from the Athabasca River hit the Wood Buffalo region, displacing more than 13,000 people and impacting 1,230 buildings. One of those buildings was the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, a vital resource during the best of times but especially during the COVID-19 crisis.
Immediately, we got involved. Our employee-led charity, Hearts of Blue made a $1,500 donation to the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, and our organization donated $5,000 from our ABC Benefits Corporation Foundation to the Canadian Red Cross to aid in flood relief efforts.
“I can’t imagine having to deal with the devastating aftermath of a flood on top of everything else going on right now,” says Ashley Bolduc, Alberta Blue Cross® community impact specialist. “Fort McMurray residents needed some help, and we are happy to be able to provide that.”
In times like these, it’s up to every one of us to reach out to our neighbours and communities and lift each other up. Thank you to everyone for supporting our charitable efforts and upholding our commitment to our communities.
In addition to financial support, our most important goal during a crisis is to ensure our plan members can access the services they need. We’re a people-first organization and continue to make whatever decisions are necessary to take care of our customers and our communities. This includes providing some reprieve by assisting plan members who do not have their Alberta Blue Cross® ID card or access to their prescriptions.
Right now, many flood evacuees may need to fill prescriptions at pharmacies across Alberta but can’t produce their ID cards. In such cases, we’re assisting pharmacy providers in confirming the identity of the plan member and their benefit eligibility. We’re also allowing early prescription refills for all members impacted by the evacuation.
