Alberta Flood Response 2013

Alberta Floods Three Year Donor Update

In June 2013, southern Alberta experienced terrible flooding that damaged houses, businesses and farmland. The destruction was swift and devastating. Thousands of families were forced to evacuate from their homes.

Recovery after a disaster of this magnitude can take months, and in many cases, years. That’s why the Canadian Red Cross provides long-term help to those in need, and is immensely grateful for the donations that make our assistance possible. A total of $45 million was raised in response to the floods.

“With your support and the partnership of community organizations in Alberta, we stand behind Albertans for as long as our help is needed,” says Conrad Sauvé, Canadian Red Cross president and CEO.

The impact of Alberta Flood donations includes:

  • 9,459 families assisted
  • 229 homes repaired and rehabilitated
  • 104 community initiatives funded
  • 40 small business owners received consultations and guidance

More information can be found in the Alberta Floods Three Year Donor Update.

Publications


Library Re-opening Helps Community Recover

The re-opening of High River’s restored library represents another milestone in the town’s recovery from the 2013 floods. Recently, the rebuilt and renovated High River Centennial Library officially opened its doors again. 

Read full story


Home Again In High River: Red Cross Funds Home Repairs After Floods

May 26, 2015 Almost two years after severe flooding damaged thousands of properties across southern Alberta, the repairs on Chuck Shifflett’s historic High River home are nearly complete.
But, like many in the hardest hit regions, Shifflett and his neighbours are still recovering from the disaster. Down his street, four homes were eventually torn down, and just two were rebuilt so far.

Read full story


Janet Boyd - Building Program

Photo credit: J. Keith Howie

Flood Permit Grant Program Extended Through 2015

January 5, 2015 - It's a Christmas present Janet Boyd has been waiting for. The Calgary senior’s home, is finally rebuilt 18 months after the Alberta floods destroyed it. A permit grant program jointly funded by the Canadian Red Cross and The City of Calgary helped Boyd complete her Mission-area home’s rebuild.

Read full story


Freddy  Vasquez

Photo credit: J. Keith Howie

Holiday Help in High River

December 15, 2014 - With the holiday season approaching, many High River families are still reeling financially as they try to put their lives back together after the Alberta floods of 2013.

Read Full Story


Home Repair and Rebuilding Lives After the Alberta Floods

November 10, 2014 - Chuck Shifflett’s house stood for more than a century in High River until last year’s floods nearly swept it into the history books. But with a lot of love and determination, and some help from the Canadian Red Cross and its partners, Shifflett is slowly repairing the old house, hoping his family can return home.

Read Full Story

Rebuilding After the Alberta Floods: Flood Permit Grant Program

September 18, 2014 - More than a year after the Alberta floods, a Calgary senior feels hopeful for the first time as re-building finally begins on her home. (Photo credit: J. Keith Howie)

Read Full Story

Stay in School: Backpacks for children

September 16, 2014 - Settling six children in Calgary schools this fall is an ongoing challenge for Chasity Daniels as she struggles to find a large, affordable home in the city’s tight rental market. Last year’s Alberta floods damaged the family’s home on the Siksika Nation and eventually forced them to move. So, the recent offer of bright, new backpacks filled with school supplies was a welcome surprise.

Read Full Story

Alberta Floods: Red Cross supports Neighbour Day celebrations

June 27, 2014 - Because Red Cross recognizes the importance of community spirit, resiliency and the contribution of volunteers, it offered small grants to flood-impacted community associations organizing Neighbour Day events in Calgary.

Read Full Story

Rebuilding After the Alberta Floods: Demolition Party in Erlton, Calgary

June 13, 2014 - Not many people would celebrate the demolition of their home. But any sadness felt by Mona and John Hayes as a massive backhoe plowed under their flood-damaged house in Calgary has swiftly been replaced by feelings of gratitude and celebration.

Read Full Story

Alberta flood outreach continues: Going door to door

May 22, 2014 - By Diana Coulter
On doorsteps once submerged by floodwaters, Alberta residents and the Canadian Red Cross now trade advice and hugs for those feeling anxious this spring. (Photo: © 2014 J. Keith Howie / Paragon Corporation Inc.)

Read Full Story

Flood Permit Grant Program launched May 1

May 02, 2014 - The Canadian Red Cross and the City of Calgary are working together on Flood Permit Grant Program to assist residential property owners still facing financial challenges repairing, restoring or rebuilding their homes after the June 2013 floods.

Read Full Story

Treaty Hockey Tournament Recognizes, Celebrates, and Builds on Resiliency

April 30, 2014 - In her colourful Siksika Nation hockey jersey with “Hockey Mama” across the back, Karia Red Gun runs a “loud and proud” family cheering section.

Read Full Story

Seniors, Still Struggling

March 20, 2014 - Jane Sampson has moved seven times in the months since flood waters forced her to flee her High River seniors’ residence. The constant upheaval and uncertainty have taken a toll on the 85-year-old.

Read Full Story

Alberta Floods - Holiday Happiness in High River

Febraury 06, 2014 - Red Cross offered additional seasonal assistance to help families with the extra stress and financial strain that can come with the holidays.

Read Full Story

Alberta Floods - six months on

January 07, 2014 - Six months after severe flooding devastated swaths of southern Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross is still receiving fresh requests for help from people struggling to rebuild their lives. 

Read Full Story

Winter Emergency Heat Program (Furnaces and Hot Water Tanks)

October 07, 2013 - The Canadian Red Cross and The Province of Alberta are partnering to meet the needs of families in Southern Alberta impacted by the flash floods in June, 2013, through the Winter Emergency Heat Program.

Read Full Story
Red Cross provides relief - and lasting memories - for woman in Alberta

Red Cross provides relief - and lasting memories - for woman in Alberta

September 13, 2013 - Red Cross provides relief and lasting memories for woman in Alberta

Read Full Story

A Saviour from the Alberta Floods

August 14, 2013 - On the day the floods hit, Vigueras, a mother of three young girls all under the age of ten, risked her life in order to save Carlos’ wife, Julia Elizabeth Santos, and their three-month-old son Derek. 

Read Full Story

Alberta Floods 2013: How your donations are spent

August 12, 2013 - Thanks to the generosity of Canadians like you, the Canadian Red Cross has assisted thousands of people affected by floods in Alberta. 

Read Full Story
Alberta volunteer receives the Order of Red Cross

Alberta volunteer receives the Order of Red Cross

August 08, 2013 - Mary-Jane Dawson was recently awarded the Order of the Red Cross, as a result of her hard​ work and dedication to the ideals of the Red Cross.

Read Full Story

Helping your neighbours

August 06, 2013 - When Judith Wilson saw images of the flood-devastated community of High River, Alberta, it was hard to believe that it was only a short drive away from her Okotoks home.

Read Full Story
Red Cross Call Centre worker conducts a confidential telephone interview with an affected resident in Alberta.

Red Cross Call Centre Opens for Recovery Assistance

July 24, 2013 - For Albertans who have been impacted the flood, which stormed Calgary and the surrounding area a month ago, the Canadian Red Cross has been conducting confidental interviews based on their disaster-caused needs through its call centre. 

Read Full Story

Supporting clean-up efforts in Calgary

July 19, 2013 - Red Cross was recently in the Calgary community of Bowness to distribute household cleanup kits to residents whose homes were affected by the flooding.

Read Full Story

First Aid and CPR courses in your area

Interested in taking a Red Cross First Aid or CPR course? Find a course in your community or online.

Find a course