Lynn Rhoddy is program manager at our Stepping Stones program in Fort McMurray. On May 3, she and more than 80,000 others were evacuated due to the 85,000 hectare wildfire threatening to overwhelm the city. Since evacuating, Lynn has traveled south to share her experience, as well as speak at the 25th annual Motorcycle Awareness Ride, where 100% of the money raised will go to Fort McMurray. This is what Lynn had to say.

Myself, my daughter and two clients; we left a burning city.

We made it safely to an evacuation site and managed to avoid getting hurt or caught up in too much of the fire or the smoke. When we finally made it to Athabasca — to safety — I was never as relieved as I was when I saw my family, my friends and our client’s families who were there safe too.

Today, tomorrow and in the days to come, your support is going to help the families in Fort McMurray rebuild to be better and stronger than ever.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Wood’s Homes for being right on the front lines, working with our friends and colleagues now calling Calgary their temporary home. They’ve been working very hard helping evacuees deal with the overwhelming emotion and stresses that come with being displaced.

In previous visits to Calgary, I’ve always admired the City. But since this happened, I’m very proud to be part of it, and the group of people who are this caring. It’s true when they say they never say no, they never give up, they never turn anyone away. Thank you.