I spent my day yesterday with a group of volunteers doing outreach in Bowness, one of the Calgary neighbourhoods that was hit hard by flooding in Alberta last week. In Bowness, the river runs alongside a crescent and not only did the water flood riverside properties, it also affected homes across the street.
The Red Cross team brought supplies and flyers containing important information for residents. One member of the team, Jim Lanthier from Timmins, Ontario spent the day at the community support centre operated by the city to offer assistance to residents who were stopping by to pick up items, water, food and other supplies donated by various organizations and individuals, or find out about services.
Volunteers Therese, Aliusha, Monique and Tina doing outreach in BownessThe rest of the team, Therese Michaud and Monique Gagnon from Quebec, Tina Hiltz from Nova Scotia, team leader Aliusha Benoit from Newfoundland and myself went door to door to meet people as they begin to recover. We found most were busy cleaning up their basement and household items of the mud and water.
Bowness resident Rob Whitfield meets volunteer Thérèse MichaudThe impact of flooding is apparent everywhere. We saw handwritten signs requesting help, large numbers of volunteers offering their services, discarded household items piled up at the end of driveways and generators and fans humming.
One of the objectives of the Red Cross community outreach is to let residents know about the importance of registering with the Canadian Red Cross to be eligible for government flood relief assistance. Red Cross volunteers also shared safety information, first aid, and offered a reassuring presence to people.
Residents Tasha and Ian Royer were actively cleaning up after the flood.It was inspiring to see the dedication and compassion of this team of volunteers. It was equally inspiring to see the strength and resiliency of residents.
To support flood relief efforts in Alberta you can donate online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.