‘Unhealthy’ air quality expected in eastern Minnesota through Monday afternoon due to wildfire smoke

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Small businesses impacted by the recent wildfires in and around Ely and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area may be eligible for some financial assistance that is being provided by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota.

The Ely Wildfire Recovery Fund was set up to allow donors to designate their gifts to small businesses that have lost revenue due to the BWCAW’s closure and fire related evacuations. 

Small business owners can begin applying for the aid Friday, July 31, and all local organizations actively responding to the wildfires are eligible to request funding, too.

“Small businesses and individuals are being affected by the economic impacts of closures and diminished foot traffic in the area, so we are springing to action with support from all over the state,” said Katy Lofquist, communications director for UWNEM. “This is an area that is near and dear [to] so many hearts, and it really is an honor to work here, live here, [and] work for an area that means so much to so many people.”

UWNEMN was asked by a number of community members and local organizations to establish the fund. Burntside Lake Association President Martie Sparks said in a news release that he hopes others will consider donating.

“Our businesses are the heart of this community,” Sparks said, “and their recovery is essential to the future of Ely.” 

Donors who want to support the fund can also designate their gift to the “Area(s) of Greatest Need.” These donations may be allocated to small businesses, fire departments, nonprofits, clean-up efforts, and for other community purposes in the Ely area. The fund could also be used to assist individual local residents should their homes be affected by the fires.

To kickstart fundraising and maximize the amount of money available for local small businesses, some anonymous donors have committed a “1 for 2” match for the Ely Wildfire Recovery Fund. They’ll kick in one additional dollar for every $2 donated, up to a total of $35,000.

“We’re in this together,” Lofquist said. “People are feeling the support from across the state. …Ely is open. Northeastern Minnesota is open. You can come, check out the galleries, go to the restaurants, shop in the great local stores. The region is still open. Come stay, come visit.” 

Other communities that UWNEMN serves are also being affected or are at-risk because of the wildfires. The nonprofit is still fundraising through its Crisis Disaster Recovery fund. Nearly $50,000 has been raised for the fund already, with individual donations ranging from one dollar to $5,000. Boston Scientific, NewRange Copper Nickel, Sota Clothing, and Twin Metals Minnesota, are among the bigger corporations that have donated to the fund.

Some of the money has been used to buy air purifiers for seniors living in the Ely area.

To support either of the recovery funds through the 

. Donations can be mailed directly to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Checks can also be written to “United Way of NE MN,” and the requested purpose for the money must be included in writing. 

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Small business owners can begin applying for the aid today, Friday, July 31, and all local organizations actively responding to the wildfires are eligible to request funding, too. 

An electronic sign on the side of the road reads, "Thank you fire fighters."

Jon Stegenga for MPR News

A banner in the window of a car shop reads, "Thank you firefighters."

Two people installing a thank you firefighters sign

United Way fund available to help Ely-area small businesses impacted by wildfires recover

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