Six months ago, disaster struck-displacing thousands of Albertans for months.
Several hundred High River evacuees called Lethbridge home for the summer under the watchful eye of Erin Crane and the University of Lethbridge staff.
“When devastation happens, everybody just steps forward. They didn’t even really need to be asked, we had people calling and volunteering their time, so it was a real community effort,” said Erin Crane, manager of conference and events services for the U of L.
Crane is among over a thousand Albertans being honoured as a flood hero.
“Receiving this award it’s just a fantastic feeling to know that you’re recognized and your work is appreciated,” said Crane.
The Alberta Heroes of the Flood program was created by the provincial government to recognize individuals, groups and companies who went above and beyond to help those affected by the floods this summer.
“We couldn’t have done it without her, as well as everyone else so it’s just fantastic that she is being recognized for this great honour,” said U of L vice president Nancy Walker.
Evacuees stayed in several residences at the U of L, with Crane and her staff working around the clock to coordinate meals, transportation, and health and wellness services, while also providing space for children to participate in summer camps around campus.
“I think it was less than 24 hours we were contacted by the government and they said some evacuees were coming to the campus,” explained Walker.
It’s just part of Crane’s job, not what she considers being a hero.
“It really was a team effort,” said Crane.
If anybody deserves the hero award, it is the amazing team that came together and made all of this happen.”
But to those flood victims it was an act worth being honoured for.
The University of Lethbridge hosted about 325 evacuees for over a months this summer.
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