The Thrill of Helping Others

Shortly after the devastating floods in Southern Alberta (which spilled into British Columbia and Saskatchewan), a friend and I were looking for ways to help. We joined several flood support groups on Facebook, but when we found YYCHelps, we thought, "Hey cool! Someone's on the ball with organizing!" We promptly signed up.

In less than one week, the website and volunteer opportunities processes on YYCHelps were streamlined even more. My friend and I signed up to help with Tide Loads of Hope through the YYCHelps website. Two of the ladies we helped were interviewed in this news clip:

At the same time, I spied a posting for volunteers with some social media savvy. I got excited. Here was something that called to my technical and social media geekiness.

At the volunteer orientation session on June 27, 2013, I signed up to help in two areas. Within six hours, I was appointed to lead the website updates team.

I was leery of the commitment, especially with me heading out the CFMTA Convention early July. The core team member who approached me said, "If you could set it up, I can take over when I return [and you go]."

The core team explained that they wanted a swarm structure for the teams. Everyone is dispensable. The set-up, if done properly, should allow for anyone who can read and use the computer to take over your role.

After just five crazy days of working with my team and setting up the team handbook, we've really gelled while building up something truly exciting. Before leaving for Halifax, I appointed two back-up team leads from within the team, although part of me didn't want to leave. It was just too darn exciting.

Yes, I'm an adrenaline junkie. Being thrown into a project running, trying to get something meaningful set up (and set up well) within a tight timeframe, meeting with and working with a diverse group of like-minded and talented people for a good cause - how could you NOT get high from this?

In the end, my initial fears were about nothing. The bulk of my commitment was during those five days, which involved contacting my team, setting up a schedule, developing a team handbook (Version 1.0 and 1.1) and liaising with the other team members as well as the Core Team.

When I left for the CFMTA national convention, I had complete faith that any member of my team could step up to lead the team successfully. Although I popped in on our team's online chat window my first day away, I was quickly shooed offline. The team was on it. I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

My two back-ups did a superb job while I was away, working the team out of its role prior to my return. When handing the reins back to the Core Team, the team expressed appreciation for the Core Team's efforts and for each member of the team, as well as gratitude for being able to help with the flood relief efforts. Should they need our skills once again further down the road, we're all game.

Although our role in complete, there is still work to be done. I have yet to catch up on all the news and developments on Basecamp and see if there's anything remaining loose ends that I must take care of. As well, there are countless opportunities cropping up in which we as a team can band together - with each other and with others - to make a difference.

A Flood of Community Support

As many readers know, Southern Alberta was hit with the worst case of flooding it the province's history. A local state of emergency has been (or was) declared in 25 communities. We're not out of the woods yet either. I grew up in one of the hardest hit areas - High River, Alberta. This is what the town looked like on Saturday:

Almost the entire community of 13,000, along with the surrounding area was flooded. It's a sight that makes many residents and former residents teary-eyed just by looking at the photo.

First responders, town employees and the army have been working tirelessly since last Thursday to de-water the town and get to water, power, sewage and communications up and going. It's a tough slog.

It has been an emotional roller-coaster ride. The hardest part is not knowing for certain just what state my childhood home is in. It has escaped the devastating effects of floods in the past, but this is the first time a flood has taken over pretty much the entire town. Maybe it sustained a lot of flood damage. Perhaps it was one of the lucky few that were barely touched. That is something you nor I have control over.

Tied right up there is the sadness of seeing such a beautiful community in such a state. This little town, like any other, represents people's cherished dreams, their livelihood, their community - their roots.

Then, while still reeling over the floods devastating effects on Bragg Creek, Cochrane, HIgh River,  Okotoks and Pincher Creek, we heard that Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat - even Edmonton - and its environs were bracing for flooding. Calgary's downtown core and surrounding communities got hit hard.

What is truly wonderful to see - and to be a part of - is the flood of community support. Between Facebook, Twitter and the various media organizations, the word gets out quickly regarding where help is needed and how people can help. Seconds after a post, a string of volunteers spring forward into action.

One thing that is rather interesting to note is a conversation I had with a friend earlier today. We were discussing each others' Facebook News Feeds. Whenever she posted updates about the flood or her volunteering efforts, she got several comments along the line of "That's so good of you. That's so kind." To be blunt, I found those comments odd.

Sure it's good and kind, but isn't that what you're supposed to do? Isn't there a name for that? Ah yes, the Golden Rule, which can most likely trace its roots to Matthew 25:40.

Having grown up in High River, helping each other out whenever a flood came is just something we do. Passing on the message of where and how people can help via social media is just another way that my FB network and I have been trying to help. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that many small communities and those who volunteer regularly have a similar mindset.

Everyone has their reasons whether to volunteer or not. To donate or not. Just like people have the option to ignore a mandatory evacuation order. 'Tis the nature of free will.

I'm just glad to see so many helping hands out there. I feel blessed to live in a place where the government, city and town officials are so dedicated, working alongside with the army and first responders. They, like Mayor Nenshi of Calgary, could use a nap. These folks have been fantastic, working incredibly long hours checking all the homes, rescuing people and pets, clearing debris and countless tasks that the rest of us aren't aware of.

I only wish that all places worldwide that have been stuck by a natural disaster can experience this outpouring of community love and support.

Want to help with the Alberta Flood relief efforts? Check out these links:

Calgary Clean Up

High River Flood Support FB Page

M.D. of Foothills

Okotoks Online

Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund

Town of High River

YYC Helps

If I've missed a link, please share it in the Comments section. Thanks!