TORONTO — The Steelworkers Humanity Fund (SHF), the charitable arm of the United Steelworkers union in Canada, says it is donating $20,000 to support people and communities evacuated by recent wildfires in Northwestern Ontario, as well as future wildfire relief efforts across Canada.
In one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades, the region has seen 599 fires compared to 387 in 2025 and a 10-year average of 401.
More than a dozen Northern Ontario communities have been forced to evacuate, including 10 First Nations communities. Almost 2,500 people have evacuated to Thunder Bay and other host communities where the union represents members affected by the wildfires, in sectors including sawmills and mining, the USW said in a press release.
“As wildfires force thousands of people from their homes in northwestern Ontario, Steelworkers are standing in solidarity with the affected communities, in particular the many First Nations, as well as with the host communities and front-line organizations responding to urgent needs,” said Marty Warren, Steelworkers Humanity Fund President and USW National Director.
“We are proud to support local organizations such as the United Way of Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Community Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross as they provide food, shelter, transportation, wellness supports and other essential services to evacuees, while also preparing to respond to future disasters fuelled by climate change in other parts of Canada.”
At the initiative of USW local unions in the region, the SHF will divide its support between two initiatives. Of the $20,000, $10,000 will go to the Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund, a partnership between the United Way of Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, to support the short-term needs of communities affected by wildfires, including food, essential supplies, emergency assistance, transportation and community outreach, mental health and wellness services, to front-line agencies and service providers assisting evacuees and affected communities, and to longer-term recovery efforts.
The other $10,000 will go to the Canadian Red Cross Wildfire Fund, which has opened an emergency shelter in Thunder Bay, providing supplies for emergency accommodations, including cots, blankets, pillows and hygiene kits to evacuated communities, as well as assistance to access additional well-being supports
Anyone wishing to donate can visit the Northwestern Ontario Wildfire Community Support Fund or the Red Cross Canadian Wildfire Fund Appeal.
Founded in 1985, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund is a registered charitable organization that focuses primarily on development projects and emergency aid in developing countries but also supports Canadian communities. USW members contribute to the fund through clauses negotiated into collective agreements. In some cases, employers make matching contributions to the fund.
