Volunteers welcome to help in High River cleanup

June 2: neighborhoods under water in High River
Photo courtesy of RCMP

In another important step in the recovery of High River, volunteers are now able to assist residents who have re-entered their homes. There is now full public access to the northwest, southwest and business corridor along 12th Avenue from Highway 2.

“The phased entry process has allowed us to make great progress in ensuring the areas are safe and I am pleased to announce that volunteers are now able to enter and assist residents.” said Rick Fraser, Associate Minister of Regional Recovery and Reconstruction for High River. “This recovery effort is about more than buildings - it is about giving people hope and we welcome everyone who can help.”

Many residents in the west side of High River may need assistance in cleaning up. To support residents and help coordinate volunteers, two staging areas have been set up. One is in the northwest at the Welcome Centre located at the rodeo grounds and another is in the southwest at Sheppard Family Park (corner of 12th Avenue and 5th Street SE.) Volunteers are encouraged to stop by these areas for information about what help is needed before heading out into neighbourhoods.

In order to ease traffic congestion and keep roads clear for waste removal, it is suggested that groups of volunteers carpool together.

As residents may not have the proper equipment, volunteers should bring their own supplies. Rubber boots, face masks and gloves as well as tools such as shovels, garbage bags, and buckets may be needed to clean flood-affected homes.

“The needs in High River are immense, and recovery will be a long-term process,” said Steve Armstrong, provincial director of Alberta, Canadian Red Cross. “Red Cross volunteers have been working tirelessly to meet the urgent needs of High River residents. The Canadian Red Cross is proud of their efforts and wants to assure the people of High River that we will continue to support them.”