Something predictable is happening in High River since the floods that devastated the town.
As usual, the reaction of Albertans towards the victims of the 2013 floods is something that gives most of us a sense of security. I’ve always held the opinion that this province is a “get it done” kind of place and predictably it is.
Without a thought or a hesitation fellow Albertans are showing up to do some of the hardest and dirtiest work you could possibly imagine. They do it out of a sense of compassion and fellowship because they know if the shoe were on the other foot and the roles were reversed, somebody would be there for them.
On Saturday night in Calgary, Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his gratitude to the people of Alberta and Canada for the outpouring of aid that has been quick to arrive.
He also spoke of three young men from Edmonton that showed up at the High River Rodeo grounds to dig into the mud and the garbage and help. The amazing thing is that these three young men didn’t know anyone from High River, but it made no difference — they were there just to help.
From floods to Prairie fires to devastating weather events — without fail —Albertans have responded time after time. They may be complete strangers, but they’re fellow Albertans and that seems to be motivation enough for some people to drive halfway across the province to help.
These people won’t end up on the front page of the paper, they won’t be recognized with a medal but the work they do is as important as anything we do in the Legislature.
This disaster has also demonstrated that we in Alberta are blessed with some of the best first-responders anywhere in the world. The first-responders also came from far and wide to assist in a time of need. The mentality of our first-responders is something that can only be described as selfless, no matter the emergency, no matter the location, and no matter the danger, they are always there.
Anyone that is interested in helping out can meet at the High River Agricultural Society Rodeo Grounds. Volunteers are asked to bring their own supplies such as rubber boots, face masks, gloves, shovels, garbage bags, and buckets.
Aid to the community can come in many forms, not just physical labour. Donating to the Alberta Floods Fund through Canadian Red Cross is also a way to lend support to the victims.
For information on donating, please call the Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111.
Also to find more information about helping the people of High River on Twitter go to #missionpossible2.
— From The Legislature