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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums‘I just felt like I needed to’: North Carolina man drives to Edmonton to help fire evacuees
When Jim McGrath heard about the Fort McMurray wildfire, he knew he wanted to do help but what he ended up doing is quite unique.
McGrath hails from near Raleigh, North Carolina. He jumped into his car and drove across the United States and north to Edmonton to volunteer.
I just felt like I needed to, he said when asked why he travelled about 4,000 kilometres.
McGrath has no connection to the Fort McMurray fire. He has no friends or family in Edmonton or the rest of the province and has only been to Canada a handful of times.
More (Includes video): http://globalnews.ca/news/2728672/i-just-felt-like-i-needed-to-north-carolina-man-drives-to-edmonton-to-help-fire-evacuees/
He arrived in Edmonton last Wednesday and immediately went to work his first volunteer shift.
Julia Wong/Global News
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)On local news here in Edmonton. Pretty amazing what he's doing. I know they were really hurting for volunteers too, so I'm sure his help is appreciated.
Love this quote: Were all in it together. Its called the human race. It helps just to help each other. Just get involved, do good deeds and the rest will take care of itself." That's a great POV to have.
Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)I've been following news of this horrific fire and what this man had to say and what he's doing actually choked me up - and I just had to post it. Thanks!
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)I thought some good news might be nice - for a change.
Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)some positive news. I have all but turned off the TV news for anything beyond the weather and even that has become pretty much and "alarmist" rendition of what it needs to be.
Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)Lightning and thunderstorms all day today, some places nearby even lost power. I make a stab at the news when I first turn on the TV, but all it takes is a glimpse of Trump and I immediately change the channel!
Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)We need more people who feel as this man does, here's hoping that promoting this story in the media will inspire others.
mmonk
(52,589 posts)Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)We sure could use more good news these days.
treestar
(82,383 posts)and he is only 57, so it's not likely he is retired, which I was thinking necessary to be able to have time to do such a thing.
Rhiannon12866
(202,970 posts)A lot of people sympathize with those in the path of disasters, but this man just picked up and acted on it, thought this was such a positive story that I had to share it...