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500 Volunteers Needed to Help Sandbag

April 6, 2011 3:54 PM | News


Sandbagging volunteers worked tirelessly Wednesday to protect low-lying properties throughout the city. Homeowners in the south end of Winnipeg received much-needed assistance, when swarms of volunteers came out to help build up dikes.

Watch:

Members of the Winnipeg Rowing Club were sandbagging on Wednesday to protect their building from the rising Red River. Anyone who can lend a hand this week is asked to contact the WRC at WinnipegRowingClub.ca. (WPGCAMERAMAN / CHRISD.CA)

Students from St. Norbert Collegiate spent a good portion of their afternoon working non-stop to protect a property on Rue des Trappistes, and were kept busy when the city dropped off another pile of bags.

It’s the first official day of the city’s flood fight with sandbagging volunteers, and 500 more will be needed as the Sunday deadline to have 109 dikes built approaches.

The city suggests those wanting to help call 311 to be assigned to a specific at-risk property. Volunteers will be bused into certain areas, including Christie Road, Cloutier Drive, Scotia Street and other priority streets.

Homeowners requiring sandbags and volunteers should also call 311 to coordinate proper assistance.

On Wednesday morning, the Red River at James Avenue was 16.56 feet, rising 0.5 metres (1.5 ft.) since yesterday.

ChrisD.ca video


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