Concordians lend a hand for flood relief
Forty-four people from Concordia and McGill made the journey — in a bus provided by Concordia’s Facilities Management — to the town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to help cleanup efforts following the floods that devastated the region this spring.
“It’s remarkably encouraging to experience such a sense of social responsibility and a willingness to take action to help our neighbours,” says Darren Dumoulin, Concordia Emergency Management Senior Advisor.
Dumoulin says more than 90 people from the Concordia and McGill communities contacted him to join the volunteer efforts. Twenty-nine Concordia volunteers made the trek to the Richelieu Valley.
Many of those who could not get a seat on the bus contacted volunteer relief organization SOS Richelieu or the Red Cross directly at Dumoulin’s suggestion.
Co-ordinated by SOS Richelieu, the June 11 weekend cleanup endeavour attracted more than 3,500 people. The next weekend brought 1,000 volunteers to the region.
“No one wishes for a disaster, but it is humbling and reassuring to see that there are so many good people,” says Dumoulin, who also salutes Concordia Hospitality for providing water and lunches. “Well done to every single person who helped.”
Related links:
• Concordia University Office of Emergency Management on Facebook
• SOS Richelieu
• “In Search of Volunteers for Flood Relief” - NOW, May 27, 2011
• “Cleanup Underway in Quebec Flood Zone” - CBC News, June 11, 2011
• “Coup de main après le coup dur” - La Presse, June 11, 2011
• L’arrivée des bénévoles redonne espoir - Canoe.ca, June 12, 2011