Terry Reith/CBC News via Reuters

In our world we view tragedies on the news daily, and feel saddened. We tune in for updates and hope for the best. However, we rarely internalize the situation as if we were experiencing it ourselves. Last week, the news stations aired the catastrophic fires in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.

Having grown up in Alberta, I watched in horror as the fires continued to devour anything in their path. With record heat temperatures in the province, combined with high winds and no rain, it looked like the fires would devour the entire city. News clips were broadcasted showing the encroaching danger and it became clear there was no stopping these fires. Evacuation of the entire city of 88,000 people began.

Requests for help were sent out, but the government was slow to act and respond. What happened next still gives me goose bumps and causes my eyes to brim with tears of joy. Albertans internalized their fellow citizens situation immediately and scrambled to their aid. They showed up in droves to help! In a season where many in Alberta are without jobs, or significantly cut paychecks, they still rose to the occasion.

People came together in countless ways to offer assistance and show support.  One bride who had to leave her dress behind, put out a plea and an offer of 100 dresses came back. Another couple decided to follow through with their plans to be married regardless of their circumstance. Word got out that they didn’t have rings or much of anything and immediately rings, flowers, a cake and everything else that contributes to a wonderful wedding were donated. Many kindhearted individuals filled up trucks and trailers to rush out to the convoy of distressed motorists. Loaded with supplies of gas, diapers, wipes, cell phones, food, water, blankets and their open arms to hug, Albertans sent a crystal, clear message to evacuees that they were not alone. Oil companies opened up their nearby camps to house the evacuees.

Support from cities and towns stepped up. Strangers offered up their homes to those without family or places to go. Taxi rides were free, lists of restaurants providing free meals were posted, mortgage companies offered months of no payments to benefit the evacuees. Last Sunday on Mother’s Day, many volunteers walked around handing out flowers in an effort to brighten up Mother’s Day for everyone. Animal rescue groups took in all pets and reunited them with families, while working with authorities to rescue those pets left behind. One man drove out with a large horse trailer to help load and bring horses to pastures offered up by others. Countless other deeds of generosity were ongoing.

Soon Albertans were joined by fellow countrymen from several provinces. On the second day of the fires, I was driving in Langley, British Columbia and heard the radio announcer say that we needed to fill a large U-Haul truck by 8 PM so it could quickly get on the road to Fort McMurray. There was a sense of urgency everywhere to reach out to those evacuees and buoy them up in their time of need.  Empathy was rampant!  Altruism was gaining momentum.  A spirit of camaraderie was growing.

Firefighters gave Herculean efforts, working at times 30 to 40 hour shifts. Once again, Albertans united to load trucks with food and drinks to sustain those firefighter heroes. When fresh crews of firefighters joined in the effort from all over the country and some from other countries, relief and hope increased. Though this was the worst fire many said they have fought, they remarked that they have never felt better; that there was a spirit of brotherhood ( and sisterhood).

One reporter asked a man how he was faring while being stranded on the side of the road after trying to escape and the man said, “The worst day of my life turned into the best morning of my life!” Another said, “I’ve never seen more people who wanted to help other people.” Smiles amidst tears soon filled up the news broadcasts. The world took note and joined in with offering donations of firefighters and water bombing equipment.

Canadians realized once more what we all know; we are in it together! A feeling of solidarity began to spread faster than the wildfires. Humanity was in full force. I found myself celebrating each act of kindness and smiling even though there is much rebuilding of property and lives still needed.  I salute all those who joined in the efforts to lift up those who are experiencing hardships and heartbreak. What an example for the world to see. I realize this type of goodness is exhibited in other places, but being a Canadian, this struck a deep chord within me. I admire the resolution that echoes in Alberta that they will rebuild and make Fort McMurray even better.  My faith in humanity continues to grow. 

Cole Burston/AFP/Getty Images