Re: House, buildings destroyed in storm south of Sundre
As the leaves start to fall and the nights are getting quite nippy, we have had time to reflect on that day in July when our lives were turned upside down. We are so thankful for the support from our family and friends near and far.
John and I have always tried to give back to the incredible communities of Sundre, Olds, and Bergen, who helped raise our three boys. Who would have known that volunteering in the town of Sundre on July 7 may have saved our lives. These communities have now surrounded us with their love, kindness, and hard work.
As we drove up our driveway on that fateful day, we were surrounded by our local RCMP members, firefighters from the Sundre Fire Department, Sundre Search and Rescue, Sundre Citizens On Patrol, friends, neighbours and people from across Alberta.
A few of them heard our first phone call to our insurance company when we were informed that debris and tree removal wasn’t covered. The word went out and the next day the equipment and manpower started arriving; over 100 volunteers the first two weeks.
West Fraser-Sundre Forest Products kept the volunteers safe by providing safety gear. We will thank each business personally when we have tucked everything away for the winter.
Along with the volunteers came the scammers, news crews and nosy people with cameras. SCOPA and SARS members manned our gates and property for over 10 days calmly guiding us through the days and nights. The Westland Insurance brokers from Sundre and Calgary have been with us from day one and continue to fight for us.
Chinook Arch Victim Services encouraged us to sit and chat also.
And the food and drinks. Yes, businesses near and far, friends, family and community members fed all the volunteers and us for over three weeks. We will find a way to thank you all personally when the snow flies.
Every day, it seems, someone extends their hand to us in support by providing services, donations, manpower and hugs. There have been many days that we just wanted to run away but an angel always comes to our rescue.
One day, it was a grandma and granddaughter who delivered homemade chocolate chip cookies to John. On another day, it was the friendly lady from Bergen Road Liquor Store who drove in with a bottle of wine for us and a hug.
Thank you Sundre, Olds and Bergen. We will rebuild. We’re trying hard to accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.
John and Judy Bargholz,
Bergen
