I remember it vividly. Driving along the road south of Winnipeg as cars were stopping near one of the homes along the Red River. A spray-painted wooden sign was near the driveway that read “Volunteers Needed.” As I entered the back yard and joined the sandbag line beside other Manitobans who had come to help, a steady stream of new volunteers joined, along with others who were bringing sandwiches and drinks for volunteers.

It was 1997 and residents along the Red River were fighting to protect their homes from the “Flood of the Century” and Manitobans were, literally, standing shoulder to shoulder with them. This is just one time in the long history of our province where residents have rallied together to support those around them who are in need. And today, we see Manitobans stepping up to do so again.

The forest fires that have ravaged significant parts of Manitoba already this summer are not just a threat to natural resources, they are threatening communities and the people who live in them. The province is under a state of emergency and more than 20 communities have declared their own state of emergency. Most importantly, more than 18,000 Manitobans have been forced to flee their homes, often with only minutes notice. These are our fellow Manitobans who need food and shelter along with all the other basic life necessities.

While governments have programs and funds to assist those who have been evacuated, it does not always arrive immediately or cover all the needs of those who have been impacted. And that is why we have seen organizations, from churches to the Red Cross, offer to provide assistance. And as they always do, Manitobans have responded. Through donations to the Red Cross or providing needed items at designated drop off areas, thousands of Manitobans are generously helping those who have had to leave their homes. While the fires and the resulting smoke in the air can leave Manitobans feeling powerless, they have the ability to help, and as generations of Manitobans have, through floods and fires, they are doing just that.

Just this past week I saw a local effort being organized by the South Eastman Rotary Club. Seeing a need, the Rotary Club quickly partnered with the South East Event Centre to arrange for a drop off point for residents who wish to donate items such as clothing, toiletries, baby supplies and non-perishable food for those who have been evacuated. This is in conjunction with other similar efforts which are happening right across the province.

Whether it is through opening your home to those who you may know who have been evacuated or donating to the Red Cross or providing various items to support families who are away from their homes, every act is a demonstration of what makes Manitoba a special place to live.

I recall someone saying at the time of the 1997 flood that the waters would eventually recede but what would remain most vivid is the memory of how Manitobans came to the assistance of each other. That proved to be true. And that will I believe also prove true for the terrible fires that Manitoba is today experiencing. The generosity and caring that Manitobans are demonstrating once again, will, despite the devastation of the fires, be a lasting memory.