Quote:
Originally Posted by JonDuke
A buddy and I were part of the McMahon Stadium crowd today.
We somehow managed to get onto the first bus of volunteers that left.
Being in and seeing that crowd, as well hearing Nenshi speak just gave me goosebumps. As our bus left, the remaining few thousand people in the lot cheered as we left. It was an amazing feeling.
Our bus headed to Discovery Ridge. We had approx 65 people on our bus. We had quite a few hiccups (we were actually lost in DR and not 100% where to go because the maps that the firemen had weren't the greatest) but overall it was an amazing experience. Walking around that neighborhood and seeing some of the sights in person and talking with homeowners really gave you much more of an empathetic appreciation for what they are actually going through and makes you want to help even more.
I love our city and seeing all those people crowd around to volunteer sure did make me proud to be a Calgarian.
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I assume I will get slammed for being an unappreciative jerk, and further preface this by saying I think the city is awesome with all the volunteers and help, truly it has been awesome.
I just don't see what the point of today's exercise was, at least in Discovery.
When someone on the street I was working on said a whole busload of volunteers had arrived people were happy. Some new arms and shoulders and backs would be so welcome. We misunderstood. We were told you guys were here to welcome us home, not to physically help.
One comment, not mine, was that they didn't bring any shovels but they did bring a TV camera crew.
Someone said you went back to McMahon and had food trucks. Is that true?
Again, it is awesome to hear about all these volunteers, and I am happy that people (was it Howie16?) went to Home Depot, got equipment and waded in.
Maybe I'm tired, maybe I am missing the big picture, but I assure you I am fully prepared to be convinced I am wrong on this one.
Correct, curse, and critique away.
Ps to JonDuke, sorry for quoting you just did it for the context, I thank you for your efforts and offers you have made to help. I wish I had been at McMahon, sounds like one of those special group moments that really bring a large community together.