Local businesses made an unforgettable impact by jumping in to help during the storm and its aftermath. They gave back to communities without hesitation, and their contributions won’t soon be forgotten.
On Saturday, June 13 Sig’s Grill owners Nicole and Chad Palsson, staff and volunteers prepared takeout meals for flood victims of the weather system that hit Stonewall and surrouding areas on June 9 & 10. The takeout meal consisted of a ham and cheese bun, tomato mac soup, crackers, cutlery and a drink of their choice
In the midst of the deluge, Stonewall Home Hardware and Big Block Auto remained open outside regular business hours for residents to pick up sump pumps and other supplies.
On the evening of June 9, Stonewall Home Hardware remained open until midnight for residents to buy sump pumps, hoses and fittings until they sold out. By June 10, they had sump pumps and hoses back in stock.
Manager Andrew Kirk said the store closed at 8 p.m., and he was back at the business within an hour because people were calling him for pumps. While he was at the store, more people continued to stop by.
“At one point, I probably had about four people here, so we sent out the message that we would open the store to anybody that needed anything. If you took a look at the forecast, it wasn’t going to let up,” he said.
“Everybody’s phones, including mine, was blaring weather alerts. There wasn’t much thought put into whether we were going to the store. It was just like, ‘Let’s do this. It’s happening.’”
Like many others, Kirk was astounded by the sheer volume of rain.
“I’ve lived here a long time and I’ve never seen water like that. We have a tin roof on the store so you could hear the magnitude of the rain,” he said. “It wasn’t stopping. We had sump pumps and I knew people were going to need them.”
Community members certainly appreciated the efforts, with many sharing their appreciation online and in person.
“I’d like to give a HUGE shout out to Stonewall Home Hardware for their community spirit. Staying open until midnight, offering sump pumps until they ran out. I appreciate all of you,” one resident posted on Facebook.
“I was one of the dozens of people that showed up at 11 for a sump pump. You helped save our basement.”
By June 10, Big Block Auto had sold out of sump pumps, hoses and trash pumps, with only a couple generators left in stock.
“Not certain if people realize how GREAT of a community we live in and call home. Businesses were opening their doors to allow residents to purchase needed items to protect their homes while their own may have been in danger,” another resident posted on Facebook.
“Amazing folks at Big Block Auto and Stonewall Home Hardware. These businesses and many others deserve our support and Thanks.”
To deal with the aftermath, Eco Metallic Industries set up large bins in the parking lot of Veterans Memorial Sports Complex for two days for residents to dispose of flood-damaged materials at no cost. The business planned to stay open around the clock during the town-wide cleanup.
“We decided to help out the community because we live here and know a lot of people who were negatively impacted by major flooding. We knew that they were going to be facing a long process through insurance, and we thought we could help out immediately by alleviating the financial burden of disposing of their destroyed belongings,” said owner Dale Clarke, adding that the RM of Rockwood would cover the cost of dumping.
“We have provided four 40-yard bins that are available for free drop off as well as the manpower to help unload people’s trucks into the bins.”
By the end of the second day of services, he estimated they would have filled about 20 truckloads of materials.
“We are also committed to this because our company has just recently ventured into waste management and thought it would be an opportunity to spread the word while also helping out our community,” he added.
Adding to the efforts, Interlake Salvage and Rescue also remained open 24-7 during cleanup efforts, offering assistance at no charge to residents who needed help removing large flood-damaged items. The company offered free pickup and disposal of flood debris that residents placed at the end of their driveways. They also offered bins for residents to drop off damaged items 24 hours per day.
“Thank you for your patience as we work to assist as many residents as possible during the cleanup efforts,” stated a Facebook post by Interlake Salvage and Rescue.
“Please stay safe during cleanup efforts, and take care of yourselves and your neighbours.”
Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery offered to assist with sandbagging and help recover submerged vehicles, free of charge. In addition, they had a skid steer available to assist residents with moving items, also at no charge.
“Our business decided to help because we are part of this community. When severe weather impacts local residents, we believe it’s important to step up and support the people who support us year-round. We are very community-orientated people and our community is very important to us,” said Dawn Green, who co-owns the business with her husband Steve.
“One young gentleman that came out to help sandbagging said to me, ‘Sometimes all it takes is a spark to start the flame’ and he was right. The community came together and there was everyone from firefighters, school faculty, an RCMP officer, lots of parents and children in the community. It truly takes a village.”
The local business also delivered sand bags, assisted with sand-bagging, cleared roadways and organized crews to go to residents’ homes to help clear out basements.
“The community really came together — it was an amazing thing to see,” Green said. “We’re proud to be a part of these communities. Times like this people need to come together, work together — and we did exactly that.”
Residents were quick to express appreciation for the help offered by Rockwood Wrecking and Recovery.
“You towed my son’s truck out of the ditch between Stony and Stonewall,” one resident posted on Facebook. “Thank you so much for the quick service. Much appreciated.”
Offering some home-cooked sustenance, Sig’s Grill in Stonewall offered free soup and sandwiches on Saturday for anyone impacted by the storm — and they even offered to deliver.
“Thank you so much for the soup and sandwiches! Everything was delicious! You have no idea how much it meant to us that we were able to pause all the hard work and come for a quick supper!” posted one Stonewall resident on Facebook.
“The kindness shown to residents of Stonewall, and all those impacted by the flooding does not go unnoticed.”
