In 2013 Calgary had a devastating flood that displaced 100,000 people and destroyed 100’s of homes and other buildings.

Talking to a friend recently, they mentioned how out of sorts they’ve been feeling. How they cry at the drop of a hat and can’t stop watching CNN. “I can’t stop watching the flooding in Houston, even though it makes me cry and feel angry,” they said.

It makes sense. In 2013 their family lost their home to the flood. They’ve rebuilt it but every spring run-off, they feel the fear, the anxiety, the tension of waiting to see how much rain Mother Nature will deliver.

That anxiety is present now as they watch the news out of Houston.

It is horrific. Sad. Heart-breaking.

And I sit, dry and safe, thousands of miles away wanting to do something.

I can’t get on a plane and fly down there to help out in flood relief.

I don’t have the resources to load up a semi-trailer full of supplies to drive down there and deliver hope, support, and the much needed necessities.

There is something I can do.

“I couldn’t do anything during the floods here except focus on cleaning up the mess and rebuilding,” my friend said. “At least this time, I can do what so many others did when we needed help back then. Make a donation.”

What about you?

Are you feeling helpless, anxious, wanting to do more?

It doesn’t take much. And it’s really easy to do, even from Canada. MacLean’s Magazine has a listing of ways everyone can help victims of the flooding.

It’s a small, small world we live in, and we  all need to help our neighbours in times of need.

In 2013 I could get involved in relief efforts because I lived in the city. The distance should not keep me from helping out now. Please, consider donating whatever you can to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. I know for me, the minute I pressed the donate button, I felt better. I had done something to help out my neighbours.