The RONA store in La Ronge burned down on Tuesday. (RONA+ Saskatoon/Facebook)

By Logan Lehmann

Helping hand

RONA offers support after store burns down in La Ronge wildfire

Jun 5, 2025 | 3:24 PM

RONA inc. is offering a helping hand to northern communities affected by wildfires.

For the third year in a row, the home improvement giant is partnering with the Red Cross and will be collecting donations for victims of the forest fires that have been raging in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba until the end of the month.

More locally, RONA President and CEO J.P. Towner sent his condolences to the Town of La Ronge after their store was destroyed by the fast-moving Pisew fire on Tuesday night.

“Each year, forest fires cause thousands of victims across the country, and it’s important for RONA to support fellow citizens who are impacted. But when tragedy strikes at home, I must admit that it gives a whole new meaning to our commitment.”

The Pisew fire also burned down the iconic Robertson Trading Post in the town along with homes and other structures in the area. The blaze has also charred nearly 142,000 hectares of surrounding forest.

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Robertson Trading Post was lost in the Pisew Fire at La Ronge. (Submitted photo)

RONA Senior Vice-President Alain Ménard sent his condolences to La Ronge store owners Matthew Klassen and Krista Funk, and praised Matthew for his commitment to his community by staying back and supporting the front-line firefighters.

“As I often say, our dealers are people with big hearts who do what they do because they want to help their peers and contribute to building stronger communities. Matt is the perfect example of this. I take my hat off to him for his courage and exemplary dedication,” he said.

“To see the fruit of your labour go up in flames and still choose to help is simply remarkable. I want to tell Matt and Krista that our hearts go out to them and their employees, and that RONA will be there in the weeks and months to come to support them through this ordeal and help them get back on their feet.”

Those who wish to make a donation for victims of the wildfires can do so on the Canadian Red Cross website or in a RONA+ or RONA store in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com