“Through wind,snow,sleet and rain…the mail will make it through.”
This quote is a variation of the phrase engraved on the James A. Farley post office in New York. It proved to be true in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
As many of you may be aware my city has experienced life threatening floods this past week. More than 75,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Schools remain closed. Grocery stores ran out of water. Homes destroyed. Yet, in the midst of this emergency, there have been many acts of compassion. People offering up their homes to strangers to stay in. City food trucks providing free food for emergency workers. Neighbors helping each other stack sandbags.
And, in the midst of this, the mail was delivered. I couldn’t believe it when I read:
No flooding on 8th Ave in Inglewood. And @canadapostcorp delivered the mail. #yycflood pic.twitter.com/b9rkHcdtx0
— Julie Van Rosendaal (@dinnerwithjulie) June 21, 2013
Three things strike me, as a new Calgarian, as I watch this crisis unfold 1) I have yet to hear of any looting or stealing from the evacuated homes 2) a true sense of community exists in this large urban centre 3) and there is a mentality of tenacious charm that will ensure the Calgary Stampede will go on “come hell or high water.”
So many of us in higher and dryer locations in the city, and perhaps you too further away, have been wondering how to help. Well, I just signed up via my church, WestLifeCommunity Church that is partnering with Samaritan’s Purse to help clean debris and help prepare homes for the long process of rebuilding and repair. I encourage you to get involved too. The Canadian Red Cross makes it easy.
The photo of the couple is wonderful!
I know! So full of romance. Plus I love her black flats – although not the best choice of footwear to navigate a flood with! 🙂
I have been away for Calgary almost 2 years and I miss it daily. Seeing the flooding from way over here on the other side of Canada is heartbreaking. I love Calgarians and the flooding has brought out their true selves! My facebook news feed is filled with my friends stories of helping others, being helped and Calgary pride.
Hi Shannon, It is almost the reverse for me as I moved to Calgary last August and I have been completely amazed at how people have handled and responded to each other during the flood. Inspiring to be sure! My new city sure has a sense of pride and community – with lots of compassion! Thanks for reading. Hope to see you again some time soon.
First, thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I’m glad that you did for we have something in common. I live in an area that was hit by an F5. The outpouring of support and volunteers that came from all over to help was overwhelming. It really is amazing how people come together when something devastating happens. Samaritans Purse was set up right around the corner. My husband and I helped them assess properties for damage. They are a wonderful organization! Wish you all the best. Glad you found me.
Hello Kate, Lovely to have you visit. Too bad cookies and tea can’t be served virtually! That is quite something that you experienced a similar situation. Natural disasters can be so devastating, yet the sense of community is wonderful, and helps to get people through it. Looking forward to some mutual blog visits in the future.