UPDATED: Grassroots movement to help Calgary started by Trail resident
By Kyra Hoggan
UPDATED: So many people have called Howell wanting to donate money, he has arranged to allow for money to be accepted and receipts issued at the Salvation Army Church in East Trail at 2030 2nd Avenue, or call 250-368-3515.
A 65-year-old Trail man has stepped up to help flood victims in Calgary, and is asking other Koots residents to pitch in.
John Howell, a retired Cominco worker and grandfather of three, has arranged to have a 53-foot trailer left out in front of his house in Glenmerry at 3462 Marigold Drive Wednesday (tomorrow) morning, and he’s hoping locals will help him fill it with non-perishable food, clothing, toys, furniture, diapers, bedding – everything but cash – to be delivered to the Calgary Drop-in Centre the following week.
“We were watching this flood in Calgary; my daughter had it up on Facebook,” he said. “From Canmore to Calgary and everywhere in between, people lost everything.
“I have stuff in my garage, my neighbour has stuff in his garage – so we decided to get that stuff to Calgary,” he said. “We’re high and dry here, there’s no reason not to help.”
He said Overland West very generously donated, not only the 53-foot trailer he’s hoping to fill, but also staff time to pick the trailer up and bringing it to Calgary.
“They’ll drive it to Calgary on July 2 or 3 – whenever we can fill it. Wednesday (July 3) at the latest, it’ll be on the road.”
Howell said one of his own daughters lives in Calgary but was unaffected by the floods – which is all the more reason to help out where he can.
“I spoke to the lady there – I’ve been on the phone all day – and she said anything they can’t use, they can send to (partner organizations). Absolutely nothing will be wasted.
“They need stuff for everyone, from babies to seniors.”
Check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Koots-for-Calgary-Gathering-help-and-goodwill-for-flood-victims/175672085942563
