Everyone affected by this horrific disaster needs our help. We have no time to just sit in front of our televisions and exclaim how terrible it is — we must try to do something.
So, I encourage you to think of how you can help your neighbour in need. Many people have lost their homes, their businesses and some have even lost family or friends. Anything you can do to help those in need at this time is most appreciated. Many folks got out with just the clothes on their backs and yet they have mortgages to pay, children to look after, car payments to make, businesses and equipment to recoup and on and on.
Maybe you can forgo some entertainment or treats for your own family this week and buy some water for your neighbour in need. Maybe you can make it a family effort to contribute in whatever way possible. Maybe your own business, service club or church can challenge other businesses, service clubs or churches across the province to a contest to raise the most dollars to help.
Maybe you can adopt a family to take care of and help them get on their feet again. Whatever financial contribution you can make would be most appreciated. And if you are able to contribute bottled water, bug repellent and/or non-perishable snacks or other food items that do not require cooking or refrigerating, feel free to drop them off at one of our constituency offices and we will be sure to get the items to the people who need them.
Maybe some of you can physically help with cleanup efforts. It may take a long time for some of these areas to be restored so cleanup is imminent.
Whatever you can do PLEASE DO IT!
Donations and volunteering
Financial donations may be made to Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 (www.redcross.ca) or Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769 (www.SalvationArmy.ca/floodrelief) or by cheque to #2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4 or donate to other existing aid organizations. Only financial donations are required at this time.
Calgary drop in centres may need volunteers - mainly at meal times. To find the location of the volunteer centres, or look for other opportunities to help, check volunteercalgary.wordpress.ca.
Cleaning up
To volunteer to assist with the clean-up efforts, call 1-866-628-6565. This is a toll-free line hosted by Samaritan’s Purse.
Whatever you do, THANK YOU! Every effort towards helping your neighbours is DEFINITELY APPRECIATED!
Constituency offices will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays to July 11 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. to receive donations of bottled water, non-perishable food items and bug repellent at #18 4804 42 Avenue, Innisfail or 5006 50 Street, Sylvan Lake.