B.C. lends hand to flood-stricken Alberta

As communities insouthern Alberta begin cleanup efforts, British Columbians are doing what they can to lend a hand to victims of last week's massive floods.

City of Vancouver 311 operators are offering to take calls from their swamped Calgary counterparts, while BC Hydro crews are on standby tohelp restore power to parts of southern Alberta.

Members of the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Unit were dispatched to the Calgary flood zoneMonday morning from Abbotsford, Terrace, Kelowna and Prince George. The teams will provide emergency personnel as well as meal servicesfor displaced victims of the flood.

In some other cases, small gestures have gone a long way.

In Kelowna,dog trainer Brad Pattison put out a plea for blankets and dog food.

"Within 24 hours, we had accumulated close to 5,000, 6,000 pounds of supplies to start moving to Calgary," said Pattison, who started delivering pet supplies to communities outside Calgary's city centre on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross has set up a backup call centre to assist in taking donationsfrom across Canada. So far, more than $5.4 million in personal and corporation donations has been raised.

"Now water is receding and the real work really starts to happen," said Red Cross spokeswomanLiseAnne Pierce. "So although there's folks in shelters, people are starting to go home and the cleanup is beginning."

How you can help

For those who still want to help out, a number of organizations are accepting donations.

TheCanadian Red CrossAlberta Floods Response is accepting financial donations.Call 1-800-418-1111.

Canadians can also donate to theSalvation ArmyAlberta Flood Relief Effort at the website or call 1-800-725-2769.

Samaritan's Purse Canadasays it will need volunteers to help in the cleanup and recovery of flooded homes. As well, people can donate money. Call 1-800-663-6500.

TheCalgary Drop-In & Rehab Centreis also seekingvarious goods and supplies including socks, underwear, hygiene supplies, bug spray, blankets and pillows, towels and plungers. The centre isalso looking for volunteers and donations. Call 403-699-8260.

Other organizations seeking assistance include theYWCA of Calgary,Calgary Clean Up Facebook page,Volunteer Calgaryand YYC Helps.