Within hours of the Ft. McMurray wildfire evacuation last Tuesday people were offering their help.
And not just by asking what to do and waiting for the government to organize it. They dropped everything, figured out what needed doing, and then did it.
People all over the province gave their time, energy, and money. Trucks filled with food, clothing, personal hygiene gear, diapers, wipes, gasoline, and numerous other items were on their way in hours. They were volunteering at evacuation centres, driving up and down lines of stalled traffic handing out food and gasoline.
Businesses did their part, too. Restaurants offered free meals to evacuees, Labatt's (a brewery) turned the profit tap off and filled cans with drinking water that it gave to evacuees and emergency responders, WestJet flew people out for free.
Mortgage payments have been put on hold for the residents, rental rules have been altered, homes have been opened, and so much more. You get the idea. Ordinary citizens did what they can as soon as they could do it and neither expect nor want anything for it.
I am grateful I live in a world where people will drop everything to help out.
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6 comments:
People can be wonderful.
It warms my heart.
Mary Anne in Kentucky
It is heartwarming the way people band together and do what needs doing in an emergency.
Kimberley, yes they can. Sad that it takes disaster to bring it out, but at least it is there.
Mary Anne and Messymimi, it really is heartwarming and makes my spirit soar.
It brings tears to your eyes to see some of the amazing responses to this disaster. So many people willing to help in whatever small way they can - it restores your faith in humans.
Yes, Bag Lady. What really moved me is no one asked what to do or how to do it. It just got done.
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