It may seem as though the worst is behind us, Okotoks, your support is still needed.
Most people have been allowed back into their homes in High River, but the picture looks more bleak then ever.
The quiet community now looks like a war zone with garbage, appliances and furniture littering every street as the flood damaged contents of almost every home are piled onto the curb.
It is a heartbreaking sight and one most of us find hard to even comprehend.
Thankfully, each day thousands of volunteers flock to High River to help with flood relief. However, there is legitimate concern with each passing day, especially with the spectacle of the Calgary Stampede, the plight of those in High River will be forgotten.
Although progress has been made the rebuilding process is a long way from being complete.
To ensure their town is reborn from the silt and sludge they need our help.
As much as every High Riverite would like to help their friends and neighbours they are all suffering the same fate.
They are consumed with gutting their basements to the studs, hauling their soaked and contaminated belongings to the curb and trying to organize utilities and insurance to hopefully rebuild their homes.
As a result, most High River residents are unable to lend a hand because their concern is the fate of their own house. Who can blame them?
Therefore, it is imperative residents who are able to lend a hand step up and volunteer in whatever capacity they can.
To put it in perspective, it takes a crew of between eight and 10 people more than eight hours to gut the basement of one home. There are more than 2,000 homes in High River meaning there is still a long and arduous task ahead.
Each day there are dozens of calls from homeowners desperate and each day volunteers respond to as many calls as possible.
Granted, it is exhausting work, physically and emotionally, but answering the call from a neighbour in distress is something we need do to, it is something we must do.
By all means, enjoy your Calgary Stampede because everyone has certainly earned a break, but when you can kick off your cowboy boots, grab a pair of rubber boots and head south to show your true Alberta spirit.
