After the Flood

Photographs courtesy of Brigham S.

Sometimes a tasty sandwich can make even the darkest day brighter.

When floodwaters slammed into Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in June, spring rains and mountain runoff forced over 100,000 people out of their homes.

The flood left behind a massive mess—along with a massive need for volunteers. Church members of all ages from wards and stakes in the Calgary area responded immediately. “There was rubble everywhere,” says Brigham S., a deacon who volunteered.

Some youth knocked down drywall, carried away ruined furniture, or raked up mud and debris. Other youth, such as Brigham’s group, made and delivered sack lunches to workers, volunteers, and families returning to their homes.

Brigham remembers one particular family pumping muddy water out of their house. He and the youth volunteering with him asked this family if they wanted some lunches. “They were so happy!” Brigham says. “They gave us hugs.”

Volunteer efforts went on for many weeks. “Faith and prayers can’t do everything,” Brigham explains. “Sometimes you need to get up and go help somebody.”