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This could be the motto for Calgary’s Great Flood of 2013!
I know you’ve seen plenty of flood images.. but wait until you see these ones, they’re better and you’ll see why!
You see, Calgary is a city filled with pioneer spirit, gumption and guts..
and it was time for us to “Circle the Wagons” and get the job done!
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These are not my photos.. they were Shared on Facebook and I bet if you went on any Calgarian’s Facebook Page, you’d see a whole lot more.
Most of the people in this photo don’t even live in the areas that were devastated..
but they knew someone who did…
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These people turned up in the 1,000’s for only 100’s of jobs. I know they’ll be back tomorrow to try to Volunteer again!
And our Mayor Nenshi was unbelievable at communicating throughout this disaster. Here’s what he posted on Facebook:
“Before I head into my next briefing, I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who turned up at McMahon Stadium this morning. We asked for 600 and thousands turned up. We know that many more are out helping their friends and neighbours clean up the damage the flood has left behind. Please know that this is just the first of many volunteer opportunities, so if you weren’t able to be part of this one, sit tight. We will be asking for help again soon.” June 24, 2013
There is a comaraderie and spirited friendship not typically seen in these parts on a Monday.. unless, of course, it’s Stampede Week!
Which, I might add, is planned to go ahead, despite the substantial flooding on the Stampede Grounds.
We’ve even managed to keep our sense of humor..
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We tried to help loved ones reconnect in all the chaos..
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I’ll leave you with this Video done by 90.3 Amp Radio that shows what we were up against and why we’re Calgary Strong!
Good luck Smidge, I’m glad there been such a good response 🙂
I am so happy to hear you are safe and that the people are rallying well.
I wish I didn’t know how this felt firsthand, but Vermont lived through hurricane irene two years ago in August.
Thinking of you all. Stay safe when working in the mud. Sending lots of love and encouragement from Vermont where many have rebuilt and recovered, though some still suffer. xox
You’re right.. the mud is not safe.. we’ve all had rubber gloves and some wear masks. It’s a silty river mud that clings and sticks like cement! So inspired by everyone helping everyone!
A hurricane would be terrifying and difficult to predict it’s reach I imagine?? At least with a flood they could see it coming, no one expected levels to advance so quickly though. I’m glad you are safe from your hurricane experience, Sue:)xx
Nice piece, Barbara
It sounds like you are safe. I hope so… what a heartbreak for so many.
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V
I have been worried about you since I saw the news of the flooding. I’m glad to see you’re OK. Natural disasters bring out the very best in people. It’s a shame we don’t behave that way all of the time. 🙁
Keeping you in heart Barbara… natural disasters are so scary – we had Hurricane Sandy in October – crazy stuff — stay safe! ~ Robyn
Thanks Robyn.. we are keeping safe:) xx
I too am glad to know you are safe, you were the first I thought of when I saw this terrible flood on the news!! What a great community you live in!
Smidge, I am glad you are okay. Stay safe! I am also very happy to see such great support for getting things under control with the flood. Flooding is bad but it is the mud and its movement and stagnation of water than can cause more issues later. Calgary is a wonderful community and stronger together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your community. I hope everyone is on recovery soon.
I hope you and your family are ok. We’ve been following the news closely as we have friends and colleagues in Calgary. My thoughts and prayers are with all Calgarians.
Wonderful photos Smidge, of a city with truly AMAZING spirit! I hope you’re all ok. Love the mayor! 🙂
It’s always so heartwarming to see people come together to help in times like these. I hope you and your loved ones have been soared by this force of nature. Thinking of you.
Hi Barb! Thankfully you and your love ones are fine. It’s wonderful to see how people give their time and effort to help others. 🙂
Unbelievable….unbelievable floods and unbelievable public support. This is turning out to be a very strange weather year. Hope you’re all dried out soon.
Makes me feel warm and happy. It is wonderful how us humans can be so caring and supportive in times of crisis. It would be even more wonderful if we could always be this way.
Your floods even made the evening BBC news. Horrible. Glad that you are okay.
It is an unbelievable tragedy.. but it brought out the best in everyone… Diane
Events like this are so terrible but the good that comes out of them is also amazing – people pulling together to help friends and strangers. It restores our faith in humanity…for once the good folk have stronger voices than the evil ones who most often make headline news.
So sad to see all the damage, but what a wonderful response! Your community is really coming together!
I am glad to see that you weathered the storm… Sending prayers!
May you and yours stay safe throughout, my dear! What a remarkable and uplifting post. Recovery after flooding is a lot messier and more complicated than those who haven’t dealt with it know, and I’m impressed and my heart warmed by the Calgary spirit of the volunteers responding. Thanks for sharing. Cheers for Calgary! xoxo,
Kathryn
That nature can inflict such damage, so horrible. Glad you and your family are safe. Sending prayers and best wishes to all who are suffering. Cheers to all the volunteers.
My goodness, Smidge! What can I possibly say. These videos provide an amazing look at the flood, which far surpasses any coverage I may have seen on the news. Most of my news comes by way of radio or newspaper, and so I don’t think I could have adequately visualized the magnitude of this event. The way the volunteers have rallied to give aid and comfort is heartwarming. Thank you for taking the time to share so much exceptional information. I now have my ear fully tuned to follow the aftermath and see how Calgary resumes daily life. It must feel overwhelming! ox
awww look at that community… in a time of devastation, it looks like you will have just as many good memories as bad.
Horrific videos, Barb, and I’m so glad that you and yours are not personally affected. It is always true that, when faced with some of Life’s most tragic events, the best in each of us shines through. You should be very proud of your community. This year’s Stampede will be one to remember.
I was heading to my brother’s locker today to remove his paintings and boxes, John, and was turned back because the CPR bridge collapse. A few cars carrying Diesel are there and the area is being evacuated due to possible explosions. This is just surreal.. what’s next??
This is indeed a year we’ll never forget.. we’ve literally and metaphorically had a black cloud over us this year. I keep looking for some sun.. and it’s just showing up this morning, so let’s hope it stays a while:)
Great post! Such a disruptive event – glad people are coping fairly well. Glad you’re OK. Thanks for sharing all of this with us – it’s a real eye opener!
Thanks, John, it’s just unreal here..
Thank goodness you are, ok! I saw the news reports over the weekend. Here’s to the amazing spirit you and your neighbors have shown us all!
I totally have been thinking about you with the flooding. What a crazy bunch of weather we’re all having. So glad YOU are okay!
Thanks, Gretchen! I wish I could say the same for friends.. it’s been brutal for them! At least we have a long weekend coming up and some are just gettin’ outa dodge!
Natural disasters like this are such eye openers and unfortunate occurrences in our world. Yet it so wonderful to see communities coming together, lending support and a helping hand to each other. Glad that you’re ok!
Wow, I didn’t know about the flooding you are having .. or had, big part of Europe is the same and that is what our news has been about.
Could read that you and your dear ones are safe – nature have some forceful powers and most of the time we don’t have anything to put against them.
Fantastic to see watch the video .. thanks for posting them. Wonderful to watch how people get united to help those that needs help.
I hope the sun will stay in Calgary for a good while now.