Calgary can anticipate worse challenges to
come. The damage caused by the
relentless flood can only be revealed over time. However, the response to the
devastation was exceptional. Calgarians did
a magnificent job communicating through social media, whether it was to
advertise for a room to spare, or to use tools like Twitter and Facebook to provide
timely, accurate information to mobilize clean-up efforts and quickly organize
community groups. Amid the chaos and turmoil
over the past few weeks there were many triumphs.
It was with this same spirit in mind that the
Ward 12 team held a “FloodRaiser” on
Saturday June 29, 2013, to raise funds, hygiene products, clothes and
non-perishable food items for flood victims. Hundreds of people showed up to
the event which was held at the McKenzie Lake Community Centre. Those in attendance were also invited to watch
an outdoor movie on a giant inflatable screen.
Special thanks must go to FreshAirCinema
for showing the movie and for providing us all with a memorable
experience.
At the end of the night, the Ward 12 team
raised almost $6000.00 in donations, services, and items. Various goods such as furniture, water,
clothes, toys, and books were donated. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank the McKenzie Lake Community
Association for their generosity and support in helping host the event. For those of you who
still want to help please visit the Calgary Clean-Up event
on Facebook or yychelps.ca. A
number of organizations are still accepting donations:
Canadian Red Cross
Canadians
can donate to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Floods Response at the website or
call 1-800-418-1111.
Salvation
Army
Canadians
can also donate to the Salvation Army Alberta Relief Effort. Call
1-800-725-2769.
Calgary Drop-in & Rehab
Centre
The Centre
is seeking various goods and supplies including socks, underwear, hygiene
supplies, blankets and pillows, towels and plungers. Call 403-699-8260.