Fort McMurray’s women and children’s shelter is set to tackle the increased needs of a post-fire community after an unexpected $32,000 donation from Royal LePage Canada.

The donation to Unity House, a shelter run by Waypoints, is meant to make up for two local fundraisers missed because of the wildfire and means Waypoints will now qualify for more than $2 million in provincial funding.

Royal LePage president Phil Soper and local branch owner Marian Barry handed over the cheque to Waypoints executive director Michele Taylor Monday afternoon at the Fox Den.

“We were expecting a shortfall in our funding for this year,” Taylor said. “So this coming through for us is a huge relief.”

The 24/7 shelter maintains 36 beds and provides emergency accommodations for women and children for up to 21 days, along with clothing, toiletries and meal services.

A percentage of Waypoints’ overall budget for Unity House has to come from local fundraising in order for the organizaion to qualify for more than $2 million in funding from Alberta Human Services, Taylor said.

“That $32,000 is actually worth about 10 times that amount to us,” she said. Taylor added the donations are needed now more than ever. read more