The Road to Recovery
Dear Calgary readers,
We’re breaking up our regular programming in light of the recent disaster that has hit your beautiful city. Instead of sending you the July Guide’a list of fun ways to spend time with your family’we thought it would be more practical (dare we say, savvy?) to let you know what we’re doing to help in our own way and, more importantly, what can be done to help in Calgary.
Firstly, we hope that you and everyone you love are safe and well. We have been watching and reading in awe, as images of flood waters fill our TVs and computer screens.
At SavvyMom, we’re working with the Red Cross to help raise awareness that funds are needed for recovery efforts. That’s why you’ll be seeing their ads on our site and in our newsletters. Specifically, monetary donations can be made to the Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund. Rogers and Fido Customers can text ABHelp to 4664 to donate $5 that comes off your next bill. Bell customers can also donate to #ABFlood to help with relief efforts by texting REDCROSS to 30333. We have been assured by Red Cross Canada that the $5 goes direct, and not into a general fund.
If you’re in Calgary and looking for ways to help, here are a few suggestions:
Teala Quong is a mom on a mission to collect and deliver essential mommy gear (baby formula and food) to other moms in Calgary. She asks citizens to leave donations on her front lawn or stop by for a chat. Go to her Facebook page for more details.
Here’s another grassroots Facebook page that’s worth following if you are looking for more local ways to help. It’s a good way to keep your ear to the ground and respond to requests.
A group of suburban Calgary moms from The Calgary Dream Centre are doing their part by organizing porch drops, then trucking the needed items out.
The Bow Valley and Region Community Clean Up Effort is the page to go to if you want constant updates on how to help in that region, from bringing in supplies to gathering more personal lost items and more.
The Calgary Food Bank asks that you call ahead (403-253-2059) before sending in small cans of soup, bottled water, lunchbox-size juice boxes, meal replacement beverages, fresh milk, dry cereal, salads, teas and instant coffee to give to families in need.
The Calgary Humane Society is accepting displaced pets and asking people to donate any materials that could help with their survival (food, blankets, etc.). Monetary donations for medications for animals who are sick/injured can be made here.
The Calgary Women’s Shelter had been evacuated and needs help stocking up their emergency shelter.
On a lighter note, we found some happy flood stories that will help to restore your faith in humanity and make you proud to be a Canadian. We’re a heart(y) bunch.
