Like many Albertans, I’ve been absolutely transfixed by the devastation and loss caused by the wildfires in Slave Lake.

I’ve spent hours pouring over pictures, news reports and blogs. It really is like watching a terrible Hollywood movie filmed right here in this province. And that’s saying something because we’ve made some pretty crummy movies (Santa Baby, Passchendaele).

More than clothes or food, money is an essential part of helping anyone recover from a tragedy. The need is only magnified when you think of trying to help practically an entire city all at once.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually the most charitable person. That’s not to say I’m not a nice person, I’ll brave the Deerfoot to pick you up at the airport, or sneak you into the Nashville North. But when it comes to donating money, it’s one of those things that I mean to do, I just never seem to get around to it.

I’m admitting this, not because I love washing eggs off my house, but because I don’t think I’m the only one who could afford to be more charitable. I think there are lots of people who watch news reports and think, “How sad,” and do nothing about it. But this time is different. This time it feels closer to home, so I’m admitting my fault in hopes of encouraging others to do the same.

When I was younger, a friend of mine’s place burnt down. We were just kids, so I didn’t have any money to give; instead I gave her my favourite stuffed animal. It was a soft, brown bear and it was probably my best friend.

I probably should have saved up my allowance for a few weeks and given her some cash instead, because to this day I still miss that bear. But it made her happy and I’ve never forgotten that.

But I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a grownup. With a nice paycheque.  

I buy coffee everyday and (sometimes) pay for the C-Train. I often go out to eat and have more clothes than I know what to do with.

Like so many other people reading this right now, Calgary has been good to me. But being Calgarian has also taught me that if someone needs your help, you should give it.  

To put it in perspective, how often do you go out during Stampede and buy a stranger a drink? Donating to Slave Lake is like buying that stranger’s drink, only you’ll feel much better about it in the morning.

Text RED CROSS to 30333 to make a $5 donation to the Red Cross relief efforts in Slave Lake.