There has been no shortage of people in High River who want to help those affected by the fires in Fort McMurray.

Owner/Manager of No Frills Stephen Charland says there's an urgent need now and it requires action now so they brought in a semi this morning.

"We want to do something direct so we brought a semi trailer and we're going to load her right up with anything people want to donate, essentials, diapers, water, whatever they'd like to contribute and we're going to drive it up there ourselves to the Emergency Centres so people can get the relief immediately."

He says working directly with Emergency Operating Centres is key in distributing goods as quickly as possible.

"We're going to be getting in contact with the head of the Emergency Operating Centres out there, touch base with the person spearheading the project and we're going to speak directly with them. Very similar with what I did with High River is, going right to the horses mouth and working it out so we can get the trailer there as soon as possible, and right to the people that need it."

He says he's looking for more ways to get more fresh food up to Fort McMurray too but everything needs to be done in an organized fashion.

"We're definitely going to stage it in food, non-food categorically correct. We'll separate all of the general merchandise and baby products, as far as the food goes, what can be refrigerated and what can't be. I'm also going to reach out and see if we can potentially get a reefer truck that has temperature controls so we can send some perishables as well."

He says other No Frills stores are following suit and will also be sending truckloads of goods to those in need.

While there is no date for the departure of the semi he says as soon as it's full it'll be on the road.

L to R: No Frills Cashier Delaney Taggart and Store Owner Stephen Charland show an example of a grocery cart available for donation for $50 to $60. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

High River No Frills Owner/Manager Stephen Charland loads the first item, a skid of water donated from his store onto a semi bound for Fort McMurray. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.