Stardale Lends Helping Hand to Bowness During Flood of June 2013

On a bright, sunny Wednesday morning, staff and volunteers gathered in Shaganappi to assemble lunch bags containing sandwiches, fruit, and cookies for flood victims and all the workers who were pitching in to help the community of Bowness in north west Calgary. The room was abuzz with friendly chatter and focused preparation. There was a task that needed to be completed, there was a gentle urgency to get out and help.

Once all the food was prepared, we loaded six vehicles and our convoy proceeded to Bowness. This was a bit tricky because of road closures; however, we had a volunteer leave well before the rest. They scoped out the road situation and communicated with MLA Alana DeLong's office for advice as to what was the best course of action.

We made it to Bow Crescent, witnessing all the destruction in the area. Amid the chaos, however, there was order. Emergency vehicles were driving back and forth; people of all ages were shoveling mud, ripping out walls and carpets, carrying furniture, and so much more. They were friendly, talkative, caring, and you could feel the sense of, "We must get this done, we must help."

We all went up and down the streets, into homes and yards. Some of the girls were exclaiming how muddy it was--this was because of how far the water had travelled from the river bed. The girls were wonderful, they gave their best efforts to assist. They carried big boxes of food and water across long distances. People were grateful, especially the firefighters and police officers, who repeatedly gave us their thanks.