Some people who fled the NWT wildfires were treated to a free barbecue at the Red Deer Resort and Casino last week.

SA国际影视传媒淲e kind of were sitting around like, what could we do to help make them feel a bit better,SA国际影视传媒� said Deborah Strawberry, the resortSA国际影视传媒檚 outlets manager.

The barbecue, where many hamburgers and salads were dished out, was organized in appreciation of the displaced Northerners. Zenati described the event as SA国际影视传媒渁mazing.SA国际影视传媒�

The hotel was accommodating in excess of 120 people in more than 70 rooms as of Aug. 23. Evacuees are given vouchers by the City of Red Deer, which they present at the front desk.

SA国际影视传媒淭hey just give the voucher, we assign them the room. Here is the key, have a nice stay,SA国际影视传媒� Zenati said of the simplicity of the arrangement.

Earlier this year, the resort collaborated with multiple entities to provide discounted room rates for Hay River evacuees.

SA国际影视传媒淚 connected with the City of Red Deer, connected with the Red Cross and connected with Catholic Social Services because I know they deal with this disaster situation,SA国际影视传媒� said Noelle Zenati, the resortSA国际影视传媒檚 senior manager of sales and drink. SA国际影视传媒淚 told them we are available. I will give you a discounted rate only for the evacuees and we dropped our rate between 40-50 per cent off, just to have them here with us to make them feel comfortable and to welcome them with positivity, as much as we can.SA国际影视传媒�

The hotel has a good relationship with the municipality and will bill them for the evacueesSA国际影视传媒� stay at a later date, according to Zenati.

She said that hotel staff came together quickly to prepare for the sudden influx of NWT evacuees. Some staff put in extra hours to ensure rooms were clean and ready.

Adrian Strawberry, the resortSA国际影视传媒檚 operations manager, hails from OSA国际影视传媒機hiese First Nation, located northwest of Red Deer. That community was forced to flee the Alberta wildfires a few months ago.

He was taken aback at how suddenly everything happened over such a short span for NWT residents, but he said heSA国际影视传媒檚 hopeful that everything will work out well for all those involved.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a shock. I didnSA国际影视传媒檛 really think there would be an evacuation, especially Yellowknife,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淚 never really thought it would get so drastic as it did and ISA国际影视传媒檓 just hoping and pray everybodySA国际影视传媒檚 okay.SA国际影视传媒�