Exactly 25 years ago, during the night of Friday, July 19 to Saturday, July 20, 1996, heavy rain triggered floods in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, threatening the entire region and causing one of the largest evacuations in the history of Quebec. Thousands of people, helpless in the face of the tragedy, braved the torrential floods that swept everything away.
Emergency 8
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In late June, a plane full of firefighters touched down in Sudbury to help protect communities in Northern Ontario. Shortly after the team stepped off the aircraft, the Canadian Red Cross immediately set to work, ensuring their task would not be more difficult than usual.
“Be open. Be willing to try something you’ve never ever done before.”
Looking back on over 30 years of volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, Bobbi Montean speaks from a wealth of experience.
Fifty years ago, on May 4, 1971, a landslide swallowed 56 homes in the village of Saint-Jean-Vianney in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, claiming 31 lives and forcing 1,342 people to seek refuge in reception centres and shelters.
Disasters affect people in different ways, but it is clear that hope, gratitude and determination prevail in stories of the devastating 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray and the surrounding region. There are many stories of people helping people in the region, but the five following stories showcase the power of humanity at its best.
When spring flooding forced thousands to leave their homes in northern Alberta last year, seniors living in downtown Fort McMurray were hit hard. Luana Bussieres, executive director of St. Aidan’s Society in Fort McMurray, says the organization is grateful for the support offered by the Red Cross to help seniors along their path to recovery after the flooding.
Ian Dalsin works with computers for a living, so when he was looking for a volunteer role, he wanted something more hands on.
“I often get stuck behind a screen for extended periods of time,” says the Edmonton-based IT consultant. “It’s nice to be able to step out and deal with people face to face.”
A four decades-long military career taught Bernard St-Laurent the importance of service to others. Since retiring from the military eleven years ago, Bernard has shifted his focus to volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross. Bernard says he has witnessed firsthand the power of the Red Cross, at home and abroad, to help people and communities in times of need.