You may have noticed that things have been quiet here on the blog for the past week or so. I’ve been struggling to come up with content because talking about DIYing (and just being creative in general) has felt incredibly trivial compared to what’s been going on in my community. 

What’s been going on, you ask?

Photo used with permission, courtesy of Nathalie Constant.

In the past 10 days, parts of the Montreal area (and communities farther afield in Quebec and Ontario) have been devastated by flooding. Only a few kilometers away (and I really mean “a few” – like, 4) people’s homes have sustained major damage or even been lost to floodwaters. We’ve been lucky (we live on a hill and away from the waterfront), but many of my neighbours, work colleagues, students, and friends haven’t been. They are displaced from their homes with only what they could remove quickly, and are so in need. It is heartbreaking. You always think that this sort of thing will happen elsewhere… until it arrives on your doorstep. 

The response from civilians and the Canadian Forces has been outstanding. People have toiled ceaselessly to fill and deliver sandbags, feed hungry volunteers, pump out water, and make flood victims as comfortable as possible.We are hearing the most amazing stories of total strangers giving shelter to each other, and of neighbours stepping up to save each other’s homes; this week is a testament to the resilience and generosity of the human spirit. I wasn’t personally able to help out with the physical relief efforts – I’m the sole daytime caregiver for our 9-month-old – but I was glad to be able to help by donating toiletries, diapers, and non-perishable food items to our local drop-off point. These items are in high demand with so many people forced out of their homes. Everyone can help in some way! 

This week has certainly put into perspective for me just how unimportant our little everyday worries are. I’ve been checking myself when complaining about money, or unfinished house projects, or other little annoyances… I’m grateful that that I’m not worrying about losing my home or where my family will sleep tonight. And that’s why today I just couldn’t post a craft or a recipe or something: there’s more important work to be done.

How to Help with the Montreal Flood 2017 Relief 

*Updated as of Sunday, May 14th at 8:15 PM*

• Important information for flood victims – please read this article!
• For flood victims: Varage sale has a FREE “shopping” cart for you! 
• CBC has compiled a list of places that still need physical aide and donations. 
• Another great list of places to donate food, clothing, toiletries, or to volunteer. 
• Master list of who to call for help or TO help, where to donate, where to drop off supplies 
• The Canadian Red Cross allows you to donate online or by phone.
  • IMPORTANT: Families affected by the flooding MUST register with the Red Cross – please get in touch with them ASAP!
• West Island Community Shares is collecting financial donations.
• Facebook Group for West Island Volunteers/Donations
• Grande Corvée clean-up event in Laval – Sign up HERE!
• Local drop-off points for people living in the affected areas:
  • Holiday Inn Pointe-Claire – needs cleaning supplies, cleaning gloves, hot meals, sandwiches, juice, plastic utensils – in need of volunteers, delivery people, and clean-up volunteers!
    • Families staying at the Holiday Inn have access to microwaves, so microwavable food is appreciated
  • Red Cross Location: Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School 
  • Harpell Centre (60 rue Saint-Pierre, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue) – call before dropping off donations or seeking services 514-457-1001
  • West Island Misson (135 Labrosse)
  • On Rock Community Services (9554 Gouin West, Pierrefonds)
  • Churchill Branch 91 Legion (28 rue Ste Anne, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue) – in need of hygiene supplies, toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies
  • Sainte Madeleine Church in Rigaud – clothes, shoes, toiletries very much needed
  • Legion in Deux-Montagnes

Every little bit helps, friends. There are so many people in need: real human beings with jobs and kids and parents and pets who are struggling just to get by right now. Our community appreciates every single dollar, canned food item, or moment you can spare. I’ll update this post as new information emerges. Even just sharing this post will help get the word out! *If you know of donation drop-off points or fundraising events, I’d love to add them to the list. Please send me an email at flourishandknot@gmail.com or leave a comment on this post.*

I’ll get caught up with some DIY projects early next week, but for now, I’m going to pray for good weather (20 more mm of rain are expected this weekend – I’m really hoping Mother Earth sees reason).