A picture tells a thousand words. That couldn't be more evident this week. On our front page we have a first-hand account of the destruction Mother Nature can cause, the human tragedy that ensues and the painful aftermath as the clean-up begins.
We've all seen the images on television the past few weeks of hurricane Katrina and the devastation it caused on the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The images and the stories hit close to home for us thanks to the words and stories of Bob Stubbings.Stubbings, who lives in Gibsons, is the former Coast Emergency Preparedness Co-ordinator. He now works as a regional manager for the Provincial Emergency Program. Recently he was part of the B.C. Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team that went to the Gulf Coast to offer aid.
Stubbings and the team saved 119 people stranded at a parish in Chalmette, Louisiana.
Stubbings described tales of hardship, pain and suffering, and also recalled stories of hope.Their efforts didn't go unnoticed either. On the final day of their stay, the area fire chief allowed the team to fly the Canadian flag on top of the fire hall. The team was one of the first to help.
It's a heart warming and compelling story. We thank Bob for allowing us to tell his tale. Bob put his own life on hold to go and help others in need. And although we know he didn't go on the trip for glory or to be recognized publicly, we feel he should be commended for his efforts.
SDBA updateThis week, Coast Reporter is proud to present the first column for the Sechelt Downtown Business Association (SDBA), which appears on page B3.
In partnership with the SDBA, Coast Reporter will present a monthly update on what's going on with the SDBA, its unique programs and business-related activities. After this week, the column will appear in the second edition of Coast Reporter every month.
This is another great example of a community group working on the Coast, and we're happy to be a part of it.
