Maritime Life has donated $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross on behalf of its employees, to help residents of forest fire-plagued communities in Alberta and British Columbia.

“The forest fires that have ravaged Alberta and British Columbia have had a devastating effect on thousands of peoples’ lives,” said Fred Wing, Maritime’s vice president of sales and distribution for Western Canada, in a news release. “We felt compelled to assist in the situation.” Thousands of individuals have been affected by the blazes, with many left homeless and jobless.

“Maritime’s support is appreciated by the Red Cross,” said Leslie Vryenhoek, spokesperson for the Canadian Red Cross in Kelowna. “The knowledge that such caring is coming from people throughout Canada means so much to communities and families that are struggling to rebuild their lives.”

The Canadian Red Cross is assisting fire victims with their housing, food, clean-up, clothing, back-to-school and home repair needs. The group has recently launched a public campaign to raise funds to support recovery assistance in all Western Canadian communities ravaged by fire this season.

To date, the Canadian Red Cross has raised more than $2.1 million dollars for forest fire relief. To donate online, visit www.redcross.ca.