All along Manitoba’s Red River Valley, authorities and legions of volunteers are in an epic struggle against rising water.
Remorseless and unstoppable in its northward flow to the sea, the water that earlier devastated Grand Forks, N.D., had already surpassed modern records well before it reached its peak at the Manitoba border.
At least three people have already died in the Manitoba flooding. Before the flood crest reaches Winnipeg about May 5, it will cover many thousands of acres of prime farmland and endanger many rural communities.
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If dikes can be built high enough and if they can withstand days of pressure from high water levels, then many communities can be saved.
Federal and provincial government agencies are heavily involved, including armed forces reservists from other provinces. But success also depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers who fill sandbags, help move people to safer locations, and perform countless other tasks to lessen the trauma of rural flood victims.
Fortunately, experienced organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are there to co-ordinate the volunteer effort. But it all costs money.
The volunteers need to be transported, fed, and housed. Supplies of all types are needed for volunteers, co-ordinators and people who have been driven from their homes by the flood.
Although some local donations of goods like blankets or food are being accepted near the flooded areas, officials explain it’s not practical to seek such donations from farther away. There are too many delays involved in shipping goods, and it’s difficult to match supplies with needs.
Money, however, can work wonders. It can zip electronically across the nation in minutes, and be used to buy exactly what’s needed, where it’s needed, when it’s needed.
Donations can be made via credit card by calling the Red Cross at 888-662-3211 and specifying that they are for Manitoba flood relief. (That toll-free number also accepts donations for North Dakota flood-relief efforts.)
Donations can also be sent by mail to the Red Cross at 6th floor, 815 Eighth Ave. S.W., Calgary, Alta. T2P 3P2. Donations to Salvation Army efforts can be made through any CIBC branch, and this newspaper will also publicize other avenues for donations.
But, no matter what vehicle is used, the people of the Red River Valley urgently need the support of their neighbors on the prairies. The more money that arrives, and the faster it arrives, the more help can be provided when it’s most needed.
