EDITORIAL: A community response

Thunder Bay has had a bad week, and that’s probably one of the more serious understatements of the year.

Recent floods have left considerable damage across the city and homeowners are scrambling to pick up the pieces.

For many it’s a time of sadness, frustration and exhaustion.

For residents whose homes have been damaged, it might be a good time to be selfish. No one can blame you for focusing exclusively on the wellbeing and safety of your family and home.

Meanwhile, for citizens left unscathed, it is a great time to be selfless. It is time to support and assist your neighbours and lend strangers a helping hand, which is something that appears to be happening across the city.

Jessica Sharpe is one example. The East End homeowner’s property was spared during the flood and she has responded by using her home as a makeshift drop-in centre for the community.

Sharpe isn’t the only example of kindness amid this disaster. Citizens across the city have donated their time to help and are actively co-ordinating their efforts via the Thunder Bay Flood Assistance Facebook group.

If the strength of a community is measured by how well its people respond to a disaster, then Thunder Bay may just be a lot stronger than many give it credit for.