Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 in Alberta, Canada

The wildfire still rages on in Alberta, Canada, recently consuming an evacuated oil sands camp while threatening at least a dozen other sites in the oil sands region. Despite this fact, the best of humanity rose up as RAM Modular and a host of other modular building companies opened their camps to help displaced evacuees and emergency workers, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), medical personnel, and the courageous firefighters battling the inferno dubbed “The Beast” due to its unparalleled ferocity.

Alberta Wildfire

On May 1st, the fire tore through over 2,000 square miles at an unprecedented speed, leaving a path of destruction and ashes in its wake. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is known to have originated in a remote forested area. Shifting winds turned this wildfire into a devastatingly historic force of nature, jumping rivers, leveling over 10% of the structures in Fort McMurray, and displacing over 90,000 people from their homes.

Where are these families to go? Where do first responders set up a home base as they fight “The Beast” and treat individuals for smoke inhalation? “Everybody comes together in times like this — RAM Modular and other remote lodges not directly affected by the fire made their facilities available to evacuees,” says Jim Benedict, Vice President of Sales for RAM Modular Canada. “We did what we could and were happy to help. Families needed a place to reconvene and gather before taking the next step South.”

RAM Modular

RAM Modular (and subsidiary Aries Building Systems), known for modular workforce housing and mobile solutions, made 400 accommodations available at their Wandering River camp in Alberta and Monias Lodge located near Conklin. In the dire circumstances when the small towns surrounding Alberta were running out of fuel and general community resources were trying to get back up and running, having immediate food and shelter for those affected was the only focus. “We made a collective decision with the camp operator to bring in extra staff and make sure people had hot meals and a comfortable place to sleep,” adds Benedict.

While the fire has been out of control, some much-needed good news has come in the form of cooler temperatures, more moisture in the air, and reduced wind speeds, which will go a long way in helping the 500+ firefighters in the area suppress the remaining fire. As “The Beast” is finally put down, thousands of people will soon be able to return to their communities in peace and safety.

The Oilmen of East Texas Purchaser Group is a registered non-profit organization that supports local youths involved in organizations such as Future Farmers of America and 4-H Clubs throughout the East Texas Area. This group hosts events such as an annual sporting clay tournament and golf tournaments and has also benefited from private donations. Oilmen of East Texas Purchaser Group was founded by three individuals who have worked their entire careers in the oil and gas industry, each benefiting from involvement in FFA/4H during their childhood. Both of these organizations do an outstanding job of developing young people in areas of responsibility, leadership skills, and, most of all, just some good old hard work. We believe these lessons build characteristics that transform our youth into men and women of character who will be outstanding leaders in the future.

How Aries Offers Support

We support these organizations and families primarily through youth auctions held in conjunction with county livestock shows. The kids raise their animal projects, caring for them daily, eventually competing at livestock shows either in a local area or through one of the statewide shows such as the Texas State Fair, Fort Worth Livestock Show, or the Houston Livestock Show. We participate in livestock shows by buying their projects through auctions and donating to various scholarship funds.

We would like to thank our many volunteers who donate time and money to support our efforts and, most of all, the supporters who continue to participate in our fundraising activities. Through your generous donations, we are building outstanding leaders for tomorrow.

One of Aries Building Systems crew camps located in Williston, North Dakota, became a blessing for men who came to Williston looking for work and a better life. ABS volunteered beds for Salvation Army’s “Project Heat” for 50 days straight between February 10th and March 31st, 2014. “On behalf of Project Heat, a program allowing a warm, safe place for homeless men to stay, I would like to say a big thank you.” Expressed Joshua Stansbury, Captain/Corps Officer at The Salvation Army. “We have already heard many testimonials of individuals who participated in the program and I am happy to report that 90% of those who participated have secured a job and/or lodging. Aries helped us give these individuals a hand up, and for that, we are forever grateful.”