Three Canadian Red Cross volunteers from Bathurst travelled to Quebec earlier this month to assist those affected by flooding.
David Willis was helping support those who had been evacuated from their homes, “They lost a lot. The fact that we went there at the beginning of June, and some people had been affected since April 24th. It’s depressing to deal with that. You can’t go back into your home and you’re living in a hotel or with friends. It wasn’t too rosy.”
Willis says he found the elderly were the ones impacted the most, “People in their late cities, found it very hard, losing their homes and belongings.”
He says it is very sad, but also very gratifying feeling knowing that you can be so useful for those in need, “You feel a certain usefulness. You feel like you are helping them out. When the people found out we were coming from New Brunswick, they appreciated our services and they thanked us for coming.”
Meantime, the water levels dipped weeks ago, but there are still New Brunswickers receiving support from the Canadian Red Cross.
If you were evacuated from your home or directly impacted by flooding, the last day to register is Saturday at the Canadian Red Cross flood recovery office in Regent Mall (Entrance 10) at 1381 Regent Street in Fredericton from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until Friday at the Canadian Red Cross office in Saint John at 120 McDonald Street from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Over 1500 people have registered so far for help from the Red Cross, and 96 are still being provided shelter.