By Jason Small, Canadian Red Cross in Manitoba/Nunavut
Manitoba families who have been evacuated from their homes due to flooding had a chance to get away from their hotels for a few hours and enjoy some activities on the Easter weekend, thanks to the Red Cross and the corporate support of BMO Bank of Montreal.
Some of these evacuees have been out of their homes for two weeks, so this was a time to have some fun with other members of their community.
The evacuees from Peguis First Nation, who are staying in Winnipeg, spent a few hours at the Manitoba Museum and Planetarium. It was a great opportunity for families to learn more about the
province’s history and the stars.
Evacuees from Long Plain First Nation staying in Portage La Prairie travelled to the Central Plains Rec Plex to do a little rock climbing and to enjoy other sports and activities. For evacuees from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Canupawapka Dakota First Nation, who are all staying in Brandon, their afternoon was spent glow bowling.
The Red Cross wants to thank its volunteers for making these excursions possible. The Red Cross also wants to thank the generosity of BMO and its financial support, which funded these activities for the evacuees.
Some of the evacuees are now able to go home. This week saw more than 60 Long Plain First Nation members return home, while Peguis First Nation welcomed home more than 20 individuals. The hope is that more families will be able to return home in the coming days.