It is estimated that recent floods in Alberta, Canada, will cost the city of Calgary billions of dollars, leaving widespread and long-lasting damage.
In the aftermath of those floods, the Calgary Jewish Federation reports that many members of Calgary’s Jewish community have suffered major losses to their homes and some businesses. At the end of last week, were still homeless, awaiting a lift on evacuation orders.
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City is joining Calgary’s Jewish Federation, as well as its network of Jewish Federations across North America, to help with a Calgary Flood Emergency Fund. The fund will help with immediate needs for victims of the flood, including
• Housing,
• Clothing and personal care items, and
• Temporary income for those whose livelihoods are lost.
“We have heard from a number of people who need immediate assistance, including housing or goods. Some are out of work because of the crisis. Some are being told their employers will not be open for several weeks, and therefore they have will have no income,” said Drew Staffenberg, Calgary Jewish Federation executive director.
“I would like to tell you that the news has overstated the situation and devastation … but they haven’t,” continued Staffenberg. “Most homes in Calgary do not have flood insurance. Many of the homes affected suffered significant personal property and structural damage. We don’t yet know how long they will require temporary housing and support.”
“As always, 100 percent of donations to this fund will go directly to helping victims with immediate needs,” said Gail Weinberg, the local Jewish Federation’s director of financial resource development. “We feel fortunate that, due to our work, we are on the ground helping every day, so when crisis strikes, we can provide immediate assistance — just as we’ve done in the past with the Oklahoma City and Joplin tornadoes.”
Donations may be made at jewishkansascity.org, via phone by contacting Weinberg at 913-327-8123, or via mail by sending in a check to Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115 Street, Suite 201, Overland Park, KS 66211, Attn: Calgary Flood Emergency Fund.
Following the devastating tornado in Joplin in 2011, the network of 154 Jewish Federations across North America, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Federation of St. Louis raised more than $250,000 to help people in Joplin rebuild their lives. More recently, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City raised nearly $23,000 in emergency relief funds for victims of the Oklahoma City tornadoes.