With the devastation from Hurricane Harvey hitting close to home to for many in Edmonton and across Alberta, people in the Capital City are coming together to help those affected by the storm.
Kelly Talbot, wife of Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot, grew up about five hours away from Houston, Texas, in Colleyville. She said her sister’s family was forced to evacuate their home due to the flooding and can’t help but get involved.
“Their neighbourhood is under water, the grocery stores have no food. Everything is getting drifted away and it’s unlivable,” Talbot said.
“I feel for my state. Everything that’s going on is so devastating.”
READ MORE: Former Edmontonian helping with rescue efforts as Harvey brings flooding to Texas
Through her Edmonton Helps Houston donation drive, Talbot is collecting everyday items, including diapers, baby food and toiletries. Donations can be dropped off at nine locations throughout Edmonton.
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Harvey came ashore last Friday as a Category 4 hurricane and hovered over the region for days, causing record flooding. The confirmed death toll from the storm stood at 31 Thursday.
The latest damage estimate from the hurricane is that more than 37,000 homes in Texas have sustained major damage and nearly 7,000 have been destroyed. Those numbers, including the death toll, are expected to rise in the days ahead.
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The Texas Department of Public Safety said there has been $180 million in damage to public property so far.
Talbot said it’s encouraging to see people come together in times of tragedy to help each other out, and she wants to do the same.
“It’s actually amazing to see everyone coming together, especially with everything going on — all the political and racism — it’s so amazing seeing it doesn’t matter right now. Everyone is helping each other.”