Emergency Response (Copied from the United Church of Canada website)
26 June 2013
On Monday, June 24, staff of the United
Church ’s General Council Office
consulted with staff and people of the Alberta
and Northwest Conference, the Aboriginal
Ministries Circle , and the All Tribes Presbytery
of the All Native Circle Conference on the United
Church ’s response to the flooding in
southern Alberta .
We are grateful for their insights and guidance as we shape United Church
True to their indomitable spirit, Albertans have rallied to
the aid of their fellow citizens and neighbours experiencing tremendous
personal upheaval. The flooding displaced more than 175,000 people and damaged
and destroyed private property, vital infrastructure, and public works.
Reconstruction is estimated in the billions of dollars. Many evacuees are able
to stay with family and friends. Others are being housed in temporary shelters.
Entire communities are coming forward to help with food, bedding, medical care,
friendship, and support.
The impact of the floods has seriously affected some
Aboriginal communities, including Aboriginal people living in urban centres
such as Calgary .
Donations received at the United
Church
It is heartening to see the thousands of Albertans and
people from neighbouring provinces who are generously volunteering their time
to help with the cleanup as the crisis moves from an immediate emergency
response to a time of recovery and rehabilitation.
Similarly, we can be grateful for the generosity of the
governments of Alberta and Canada , which
have committed hundreds of millions of dollars for recovery efforts. In
addition, and as an example of the spirit of generosity that unites all
Canadians, countless Canadian aid and other organizations and individuals are
donating funds to help with the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
Funds will be needed for some time to come. Alberta premier Alison
Redford estimates it will take 10 years for damaged infrastructure to be
restored to pre-flood conditions.
United Church Welcoming Donations for Alberta Flood Relief
Always compassionate in their response to those in crisis, United Church
people across Canada
are coming to the aid of the people affected by the floods. The General Council
Office has established an Alberta Flood Relief Fund and is welcoming donations.
The United Church
will work closely with Alberta
and Northwest Conference and its presbyteries and with All Tribes Presbytery of
the All Native Circle Conference to develop plans to respond to the needs of
the people affected by the floods. The generosity of individual Canadians,
governments, and aid organizations may mean more funds are collected than are
needed in the immediate response coordinated by the United Church Alberta , for flood relief or rehabilitation
efforts in any other affected western provinces, or for use in future disasters
within Canada .
As climate change scientists are telling us, as we understand more clearly the
effects of climate change, it is increasingly likely that extreme weather
events like the one Albertans have experienced will occur with more frequency
throughout Canada.
Pray
At this difficult time the people in Alberta affected by the floods need our
prayers. We also need to thank and pray for the safety of emergency personnel
engaged in search and rescue, and the Red Cross and Canadian Forces that are
assisting them. Some people are living in fear for those thought to have been
carried away by the floods and who remain missing. We know a few families are
already grieving the loss of loved ones. We pray for all those whose lives have
been disrupted and who have suffered great loss. As we hold them in prayer, let
us also remember those who seek to provide support and counsel. We think of
clergy who will be working hard to draw communities together, and for city
officials, public servants, and town managers for their tireless efforts to
bring stability.
As Isaiah assured the people of God’s presence so long ago,
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:1).
Support Children Affected by the Crisis
Children and their families are directly affected by the
floods. Children across Canada
are hearing about the floods. We are mindful of the need to support children as
they experience the floods and to support their expressions of compassion for
people who are affected by the floods. The United Church of Canada resource Super Friends
is available to
help children and their families understand how the church responds to
emergencies.
is available to
help children and their families understand how the church responds to
emergencies.
Donate
Any donations received and designated for “Alberta
floods” will be sent to the Alberta
and Northwest Conference for flood relief efforts.
Donations can be made:
Online via our secure donation page
By cheque, money order, or Visa or MasterCard information
with donation amount to:
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response forAlberta
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300
Toronto , ON M8X 2Y4
IMPORTANT: Make your cheque payable to The United Church of Canada. Please be sure to note "Alberta
floods" on the face of the cheque.
The United Church of Canada
Philanthropy Unit—Emergency Response for
IMPORTANT: Make your cheque payable to The United Church of Canada. Please be sure to note "
For more information contact:
Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator for Emergency Response and International Development
The UnitedChurch
of Canada
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
E-mail: Gary Kenny
Program Coordinator for Emergency Response and International Development
The United
Tel: 416-231-7680 ext. 4051
Toll-free: 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4051
E-mail: Gary Kenny
