The first-ever Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees on June 12 brought together more than 60 radio stations and media portals, raising $680,000.
The federal government has committed to matching donations, with details of the program still being finalized. The matching opportunity, in support of the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires Appeal, remains in effect through June 27.
Among the stations taking part were Golden West Broadcasting’s CJWW, 92.9 The Bull, 98 Cool Saskatoon; 800 CHAB, Country 100, MIX 103.9 Moose Jaw; CKSW 570, CJSN 1490, Country 94, Magic 97.1 Swift Current; AM1190, Country 106.7, Magic 103.5 Weyburn; CJ1150, Country 106.1, SUN 102.3 Estevan; Country 104.9, CJYM, CFYM Kindersley/ Rosetown; Bolt FM Humboldt, in addition to digital platforms DiscoverMooseJaw, SwiftCurrentOnline, DiscoverWeyburn, DiscoverEstevan, DiscoverHumboldt, WestCentralOnline; Harvard Media’s 96.3 Cruz FM Saskatoon; 94.1 Cruz FM and GX94 Yorkton; 620 CKRM, 104.9 The Wolf and play92 Regina, and digital platforms SaskToday.ca, MooseJawToday.com, SportsCage.com, and SaskAgToday.com; as well as Rawlco Radio’s 980 CJME, Z99, and Jack 94.5 Regina; and 650 CKOM, Rock 102, C95 Saskatoon.
In addition to support from Saskatchewan’s broadcasters and listeners, several businesses and corporations stepped forward with generous contributions, including Nutrien with a $300,000 donation.
“Saskatchewan is an amazing province filled with generous people. The Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Wildfire Relief was incredible and showcased what we do best—pull together. We will continue to support our neighbours affected by the wildfires here at home,” said Pam Leyland, President, Rawlco Radio.
“Harvard Media was proud to stand alongside our fellow Saskatchewan broadcasters…At Harvard Media, we believe in the power of local media to uplift and empower the communities we serve—and right now, our communities need us more than ever. Thank you to the loyal audiences of our Saskatchewan brands,” added Zoe Vassos, Vice President, Marketing, Harvard Media.
“Once again, Saskatchewan radio broadcasters have demonstrated their desire and ability to serve Saskatchewan people in need. Radio is a fabric of everyday life in the province… and we were happy to participate,” said Elmer Hildebrand, President of Saskatoon Media Group & CEO of Golden West.
Donations will be used to assist those impacted in Saskatchewan with immediate and ongoing relief, including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future disaster events in Saskatchewan.
“This wildfire season has been especially challenging, and the Canadian Red Cross is working around the clock to provide comfort and care to those affected. We’re incredibly grateful to the radio stations and broadcasters across Saskatchewan who made the radiothon possible, and to the generous Canadians who donated. Their support is truly inspiring and provides a much needed boost to our teams on the ground in Saskatchewan, who are working tirelessly to support affected communities,” said Luc Mullinder, Vice President, Manitoba, Nunavut and Saskatchewan, Canadian Red Cross.
