Two Portage la Prairie businesses are stepping up to help those who've lost their homes due to wildfires in Fort McMurray. The initiative started when local Fountain Tire Owner Justin Clarke decided to start collecting donations of clothing and household items, to be shipped to Fort McMurray.

"One of the major reasons we decided to to this is because we have two Fountain Tire stores in Fort McMurray, both are in serious trouble right now. All of their employees, staff, and everybody is having a hard time and is in trouble, so we just want to help where we can."

He says while they're continuing to collect clothing and other items, it didn't take long for the owner of the local Napa Auto Parts to step up and also begin accepting donations.

"We're looking for, at my location, clothing, jackets, shoes, household items that we can send out to them to support them. Terry Szoradi from Napa has stepped up to the plate, and he's going to collect non-perishable food items and household goods, toiletries and such."

He notes they intend to collect the items until Wednesday, before having a truck pick up the goods and transport them to Fort McMurray. Clarke says he's grateful for the support he's seen so far.