Social media, crisis mapping and the new frontier in disaster response | Global Development Professionals Network | Guardian Professional

Social media, crisis mapping and the new frontier in disaster response | Global Development Professionals Network | Guardian Professional: Social media, crisis mapping and the new frontier in disaster response

During a crisis the large amounts of data produced can be overwhelming to analyse. Microtasking could help solve that problem by harnessing the power of the crowd

Record smashing swimmer Diana Nyad to swim laps for two days in Herald Square

Record smashing swimmer Diana Nyad to swim laps for two days in Herald Square: Swimming 110 miles from Cuba to Florida was apparently just a warm-up.

Beginning Tuesdayat 8:30 a.m., swimmer Diana Nyad will be swimming for 48 hours straight in a pool set up in Herald Square to support Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts while raising money for AmeriCares, the global health and disaster relief organization.

Report urges extreme weather superfund in wake of Sandy

Report urges extreme weather superfund in wake of Sandy: Escalating costs from weather disasters like superstorm Sandy and the recent Colorado floods show the need for a new national disaster relief and preparation fund, paid for with new revenue including a levy on atmospheric carbon emissions, according to a new report by the New Jersey-based nonprofit group U.S. Strong.

Wireless Developer Network

Wireless Developer Network: A unique SMS-driven fundraiser, has been launched in Russia under the banner “All Together”. The goal of the campaign is to raise funds for families hit by the floods in the Russian Far East. This event proved to be the biggest non-profit campaigns in Europe – more than 9.5 million people took part in it which allowed to raise more than US $ 23 million, and a considerable part of it was raised through SMS. The technical side of the fundraiser was handled by i-Free.

Lowe's Announces $500,000 Grant To First Response Team Of America - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

PRESS RELEASE

Lowe's Announces $500,000 Grant To First Response Team Of America - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 4, 2013 -- /PRNewswire/ -- The Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation today announced a $500,000 grant to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction. Lowe's and the First Response Team are currently helping local families and communities recover from the recent flooding in Colorado. Volunteers are delivering critically needed cleaning supplies and assisting residents.

Indian, Nepalese armies carry out joint drill in Uttarakhand - Economic Times

Indian, Nepalese armies carry out joint drill in Uttarakhand - Economic Times: NEW DELHI: Armies of India and Nepal carried out joint disaster relief operations in the Himalayas during exercise 'Surya Kiran' held in Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, which was recently devastated by heavy rains and floods.

Crowded field shuts charity out of next year’s marathon | Boston Herald

Crowded field shuts charity out of next year’s marathon | Boston Herald: But the foundation has been unable to get approval from either the BAA or marathon sponsor John Hancock to acquire race bibs for a charity team. In fact, at present, the BAA has not yet approved any bibs for any charity that supports those killed or injured in the blasts.

“We were approached by the families and friends of some of the victims who wanted to run for the foundation,” Hill told the Track. “We applied to John Hancock for bibs, and since it appears as though the charities are arbitrarily chosen, it seems odd that they wouldn’t choose a foundation that helps marathon victims.”

Earthquake: Food supplies and tents reach Awaran – The Express Tribune

Earthquake: Food supplies and tents reach Awaran – The Express Tribune: ore than 328 people have died and hundreds of others have been injured because of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Balochistan on September 24, Express News reported on Wednesday.

Around 208 people died in the Awaran district alone. It is feared that the death toll will continue to rise as many people are reportedly trapped under rubble.

USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives Closes in Haiti and Celebrates Hundreds of Community Achievements | ReliefWeb

USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives Closes in Haiti and Celebrates Hundreds of Community Achievements | ReliefWeb: The Haiti Recovery Initiative is among the U.S. Government’s biggest earthquake response programs, and throughout its entire lifetime, the program has remained committed to helping Haitians rebuild their communities and work with national and local leadership to prioritize and respond to community needs,” said Ambassador White at the closing event.

USAID/OTI’s $155 million program supported the U.S. Government earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti in the regions of Port-au-Prince, Saint Marc and Cap Haitien.

Hell or High Water rodeo raises cash, spirits for flood victims

Hell or High Water rodeo raises cash, spirits for flood victims: Hell or High Water rodeo raises cash, spirits for flood victims

Disaster relief funding in the spotlight

Disaster relief funding in the spotlight: A Griffith University researcher wants to investigate whether government disaster relief funding has made a south Brisbane suburb better prepared for major flooding.

Rocklea was one of the worst-hit Brisbane suburbs during the 2010-11 floods, with the Brisbane Market inundated and an estimated 900 properties affected.

Boulder Trying To Help Flood Victims Rebuild Faster � CBS Denver

Boulder Trying To Help Flood Victims Rebuild Faster � CBS Denver

Students volunteer time for flood relief: How to get involved | CU Independent

Students volunteer time for flood relief: How to get involved | CU Independent: CU’s Volunteer Resource Center has partnered with CU Student Government and Boulder Flood Relief, an organization working to coordinate volunteers, to gather donations and provide assistance to flood victims.

Megan Frewaldt, assistant director of the Volunteer Resource Center, said the center and Boulder Flood Relief are going house-to-house asking people what they need.

Property losses from Colorado flood projected at about $2 billion | Reuters

Property losses from Colorado flood projected at about $2 billion | Reuters: Property losses from deadly flooding in Colorado will total nearly $2 billion, about half from housing and half from the commercial and government sectors, catastrophe modeling firm Eqecat said on Wednesday in the first comprehensive estimate of the disaster's economic toll.

Colorado Flood Crisis: Relief Staff Headed to Disaster Area

Colorado Flood Crisis: Relief Staff Headed to Disaster Area: As rescue efforts continue for survivors in flood-ravaged Colorado, AmeriCares is deploying relief staff to the hardest hit areas, to assess immediate needs and connect with partner organizations helping communities suffering amid the devastation.

Colorado Flooding Forces More Evacuations - WSJ.com

Colorado Flooding Forces More Evacuations - WSJ.com: heriff Pelle called the scale of the disaster "unprecedented" and expressed concern about remote areas without sewer services, water, or electricity.

"We don't know about lives lost, homes lost, people stranded in many of our canyon communities," he said, saying that assessment could take days. "We have lost every roadway leading to the western end of our county."

Southern AZ Red Cross sending aid to Colorado - Tucson News Now

Southern AZ Red Cross sending aid to Colorado - Tucson News Now: The Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross is sending aid to Denver, Colo., to assist those affected from recent flooding.

Colorado: Another deluge, no relief from epic flooding - Washington Times

Colorado: Another deluge, no relief from epic flooding - Washington Times: An estimated 1,250 people were unaccounted for after five days of heavy rain flooded highways, collapsed bridges and engulfed houses along Colorado’s Front Range and foothills. The death toll rose to six after a woman’s house was swept away by flooding.

Donation center set to open in Loveland; items and volunteers needed | The Coloradoan | coloradoan.com

Donation center set to open in Loveland; items and volunteers needed | The Coloradoan | coloradoan.com: An official donation list and volunteer needs will be posted at www.ci.loveland.co.us early this week. The center, located in Building D of Agilent Technolgies, 900 S. Taft, is being managed by city of Loveland staff with the advisement of Adventist Community Services Disaster Relief, which helped manage a similar center for fire survivors last year.

Boulder flood relief volunteers not yet wanted, but there are ways to help - Boulder Daily Camera

Boulder flood relief volunteers not yet wanted, but there are ways to help - Boulder Daily Camera:T he Boulder Office of Emergency Management is not currently asking for flood relief volunteers, and potential helping hands are being told to avoid disaster sites so as not to interfere with response efforts.

"The biggest help we can get is for people to remain calm and stay home so our first responders can get into the community and help get things understood and under control.

Colorado floods relief: How to help victims, those affected - The Denver Post

Colorado floods relief: How to help victims, those affected - The Denver Post: With recent floods impacting communities all across Colorado, there's several ways you can contribute to the disaster relief efforts. Dozens of charities and nonprofits are accepting donations.

But it's also important to know scams are out there.

If you have any concerns about the group you might be donating to visit the Colorado Secretary of State's website: http://www.sos.state.co.us/ccsa/CcsaInquiryMain.do

Verizon Awards $20,000 Disaster Relief Grant to the American Red Cross for Colorado flood victims | Justmeans

Verizon Awards $20,000 Disaster Relief Grant to the American Red Cross for Colorado flood victims | Justmeans:September 13, 2013 /3BL Media/ - What: The Verizon Foundation today approved a $20,000 disaster relief grant to the American Red Cross to support the agency’s relief efforts for Colorado residents. The grant will help those Coloradoans affected by the devastating flood waters in Boulder County and other parts of the state.

The company also activated its mobile giving program so Verizon customers can use their mobile phones to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund to help those affected by the catastrophic flooding.

US spent $62bn on disaster relief - DAWN.COM

US spent $62bn on disaster relief - DAWN.COM: WASHINGTON, Sept 12: The US government spent nearly $62 billion on disaster relief in the two-year period ending Sept. 30, 2012, to help Americans recover from severe storms, droughts, heat waves and wildfires, a new analysis of federal data has found.

Colorado flooding worsens, forces thousands more to flee - chicagotribune.com

Colorado flooding worsens, forces thousands more to flee - chicagotribune.com: looding that killed at least three people in Colorado, toppling buildings and stranding drivers, worsened overnight as record rains pounded the state, forcing thousands more residents to flee to higher ground, officials said.

The unusual late-summer downpours drenched Colorado's biggest urban centers, stretching 130 miles along the eastern slopes of the Rockies from Fort Collins near

President Obama Signs Colorado Emergency Declaration � CBS Denver

President Obama Signs Colorado Emergency Declaration � CBS Denver: President Barack Obama declared an emergency exists in Colorado. He ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to severe storms, flooding and mudslides.

The president’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Colorado flooding cuts rescuers off from stranded towns - CNN.com

Colorado flooding cuts rescuers off from stranded towns - CNN.com: The widespread flash flooding washed out roads, pushed dams to their limits and beyond, and killed at least three people along Colorado's Rocky Mountain range, from Boulder south to Colorado Springs.

Red Cross Responds To Floods, Wildfires Out West

Red Cross Responds To Floods, Wildfires Out West: he American Red Cross is responding to flooding and wildfires in the west while keeping an eye on tropical storms which could affect weather in the south over the next few days.

FLOODING Heavy rains are causing flooding in Colorado, Nebraska, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. In Colorado, the Mile High Red Cross Chapter opened shelters for evacuees after heavy rains caused flooding in Larimer, Weld, Boulder and Jefferson counties. Government offices, businesses and schools are closed and about 200 people were forced to evacuate from the University of Boulder campus.

Boulder Flood

Emergency Status: 9-12-2013 10:45am Animal Evacuation Update


The Boulder Valley Humane Society is open and accepting animals for evacuated residents. HSBV is accepting dogs, cats and other small animals. They are located at 2323 55th St in Boulder and can be reached at 303-442-4030. Boulder Humane is open until 7:00 pm.

The Longmont Humane Society is open and accepting dogs, cats and other small animals. They are located at 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont. They can be reached at 303-772-1232 extension 248 for the front desk. Longmont Humane is open until 6:00 pm.

The Boulder County Fairgrounds is open and accepting Livestock. They are located at 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont.

For any other inquiries or information, please call the Emergency Call Center at 303-413-7730.

Colorado Flash Flood: Heavy Rains In Boulder Claim At Least 1 Life (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

Colorado Flash Flood: Heavy Rains In Boulder Claim At Least 1 Life (VIDEO/PHOTOS): flash flood hit Boulder, Colo., early Thursday morning, killing at least one person, The Denver Post reported.

The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency through 4:15 a.m. after a long evening of rain caused area waterways to overflow. Four to six inches of rain has fallen on the area since mid-day Wednesday, the weather service said.

Quake Prevention Beats Quake Relief | TIME.com

Quake Prevention Beats Quake Relief | TIME.com: No would doubt that victims—often injured and homeless—need immediate help after something as catastrophic as a major quake. But as Brian Tucker, the president of the earthquake consultancy GeoHazards International, points out in a piece in Science, some of that money would do far more good if it could be spent preparing a city or country before disaster strikes. “We can significantly reduce the death rate from natural disasters,” says Tucker. “But we need to increase the proportion of investment we make in preparedness.

Canada: Calgary flood damages now estimated at $436.5 million | Business Insurance

Canada: Calgary flood damages now estimated at $436.5 million | Business Insurance: Damages from the recent floods in the Canadian city of Calgary total an estimated $460 million Canadian ($436.5 million), including damages related to city-owned assets and infrastructure, a new report prepared for the Mayor said.

Recipe for disaster | Our View | EDITORIAL

Recipe for disaster | Our View | EDITORIAL: Towards dealing with disasters, the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium, a unique mechanism that brings together state agencies, financial institutions and international aid organisations, has drafted a National Disaster Response Framework, which outlines actions to be taken before, during and after a crisis. A

Japan’s New Donation Culture | Nippon.com

Japan’s New Donation Culture | Nippon.com: ccording to the calculations of the Japan Fundraising Association, a total of around �600 billion in donations were collected after the Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on March 11, 2011—roughly the same amount of donations normally made during an entire year in Japan. Moreover, across Japan more than 85 million people, or 76.9% of the population over 15 years of age (as of 2011), made monetary or material donations in response to the disaster. A survey of some of these donors revealed that around 80% agreed more or less with the statement that “charitable donations are a way to contribute to society.”

Let's rebuild together, responsibly | Letters | Carstairs Courier

Let's rebuild together, responsibly | Letters | Carstairs Courier: With the flood waters receding and families picking through the ruins of their homes, Alberta’s government has pledged at least $1 billion in disaster relief. It will come as a surprise to everyone if the final bill isn’t a lot higher than that.

The flood devastated my own community of Bowness, yet volunteers arrived in droves with shovels and goodwill to help their neighbours. At the height of the flood, Calgarians patrolled the streets in neighbourhood watches and helped each other in countless acts of good deeds

Disaster-relief vending machines on the rise - The Japan News

Disaster-relief vending machines on the rise - The Japan News: When the Great East Japan Earthquake hit on March 11, 2011, Coca-Cola Japan Co. took advantage of the remote control functions on about 400 disaster-relief vending machines, equipped with batteries for backup, in the Tokyo metropolitan area and other locations.

The Tokyo-headquartered company offered more than 88,000 of its beverages for free to people who had difficulty returning home in the aftermath of the disaster.

The company said it later received words of gratitude such as, “It was nice to get a hot drink for free in such a cold situation.”

New class gives Gulfport students experience in disaster relief - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

New class gives Gulfport students experience in disaster relief - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi: GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) -

Gulfport students have a unique opportunity this year to take a more active role in disaster recovery. Gulfport High is the only school in Mississippi chosen to launch a study on how disasters affect people, especially children. The project will take teens into the community.

They were only eight-years-old when Hurricane Katrina struck.

Flooded town says it can't take any more donations:no space to store it

Flooded town says it can't take any more donations:no space to store it: HIGH RIVER, Alta. - The southern Alberta town that everyone had to leave due to flooding says it will no longer take donations of goods because it has run out of storage space.

High River said in an email Tuesday that it appreciates the generosity and overwhelming support it has received since the devastating flood in June.

China braces for typhoon as flood toll rises - Channel NewsAsia

China braces for typhoon as flood toll rises - Channel NewsAsia: China braced itself for the arrival of Typhoon Trami on Wednesday with emergency officials making disaster relief preparations, as the country recovered from severe weather which left more than 150 people dead.

Mobile phones, social media to be utilized in Nankai Trough quake | GlobalPost

Mobile phones, social media to be utilized in Nankai Trough quake | GlobalPost: The land ministry is considering utilizing information collected through mobile phones and social media to keep track of disaster information in the event of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough off central and western Japan, a draft interim report showed Sunday.

New Zealand quake city opens cardboard cathedral

New Zealand quake city opens cardboard cathedral: Christchurch's cardboard cathedral officially opens on Thursday, replacing the neo-Gothic structure destroyed in a 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people in New Zealand's second largest city.

Participants start pedaling for flood delayed fundraiser ride | CTV Calgary News

Participants start pedaling for flood delayed fundraiser ride | CTV Calgary News: More than 1,600 cyclists made their way through Calgary streets, and highways south of the city, for Saturday’s fifth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraiser.

June’s record flooding forced organizers to switch the date for the two-day ride which will see participants cycling a distance of 200 kilometres between Calgary and Okotoks and back to Calgary.

Calgary Distress Centre prepares for long-term flood effects - Calgary - CBC News

Calgary Distress Centre prepares for long-term flood effects - Calgary - CBC News: The Distress Centre in Calgary is recruiting more volunteers for its crisis line to help address an influx of calls from flood victims.

The centre has already seen a 38 per cent jump since floodwater ripped through many Calgary communities last month.

N.Y. Attorney General Questions Charities on Sandy Spending - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

N.Y. Attorney General Questions Charities on Sandy Spending - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: A review of Hurricane Sandy aid by New York’s attorney general found that as of late March, nonprofit groups had yet to disburse more than 40 percent of the $575-million in donations they received to aid storm victims, writes The New York Times.

Prince George's water outage like a 'natural disaster' - WTOP.com

Prince George's water outage like a 'natural disaster' - WTOP.com: ore than 150,000 Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission customers are affected, but the impact is much greater since a customer may be an individual home or business.

"This is an unprecedented situation in terms of the scope and size," said Scott Petersen, a spokesman for Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, on WTOP.

"It is the equivalent of a natural disaster hitting the county," said Petersen.

4 Questions about Disaster Philanthropy for Bob Ottenhoff | Arabella Advisors

4 Questions about Disaster Philanthropy for Bob Ottenhoff | Arabella Advisors: Bob Ottenhoff is the inaugural president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), which provides tools, expert analysis, and strategic guidance to maximize the effectiveness of donations to disaster relief and recovery. Recently, the Chronicle of Philanthropy recognized the launch of CDP as one of the “Five Nonprofit High Points of 2012.” We spoke to Bob about what donors really need to know to respond to and plan for a disaster

Where Do the Homeless Flee in a Flood? | Mariah Griffin-Angus

Where Do the Homeless Flee in a Flood? | Mariah Griffin-Angus: As I watched well-dressed pedestrians scramble for sanctuary, I suddenly thought of the many men I knew who had no place to go. Toronto has a huge homeless problem and on the best of days it is hard for many to get a shelter bed or a safe place to spend the day. And as water flooded the underpasses and drenched the suits of bankers, I wondered who was making room for the homeless?

China sends relief teams to rainstorm-hit regions |Society |chinadaily.com.cn

China sends relief teams to rainstorm-hit regions |Society |chinadaily.com.cn: BEIJING - Central authorities have dispatched disaster survey and relief teams to rainstorm-hit regions in North China's Shanxi province and Northwest China's Shaanxi province, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in a statement on Sunday.

Rush donating concert money to Canada flood relief | Showbiz | News | Daily Express

Rush donating concert money to Canada flood relief | Showbiz | News | Daily Express: Canadian rockers RUSH have pledged to hand over the money raised from an upcoming show in Alberta to a flood relief fund for locals.

Left in Typhoon Soulik's wake, heavy damage to crops, schools - Taiwan News Online

Left in Typhoon Soulik's wake, heavy damage to crops, schools - Taiwan News Online: phoon Soulik caused severe damage to Taiwan's agricultural sector, with losses estimated at nearly NT$500 million (US$16.75 million) as of Monday, according to the Council of Agriculture (COA). As of 11 a.m., aggregate crop and private agricultural facility losses totaled an estimated NT$492.98 million, COA officials said. The figure included NT$446.68 million in agricultural produce losses, NT$6.66 million in livestock, aquaculture and forestry losses, and NT$39.64 million in damage to facilities.

Storm lashes east with rain and wind | South China Morning Post

Storm lashes east with rain and wind | South China Morning Post: he nation's east was lashed yesterday by torrential downpours from Typhoon Soulik, which forced the evacuation of half a million people after killing two people in Taiwan.

Soulik whipped coastal Fujian with winds of 118km/h when it made landfall on Saturday but weakened to a tropical depression as it moved inland, reaching Jiangxi province early yesterday, the China Meteorological Administration said.

More than half a million people were evacuated from Fujian and Zhejiang as Soulik approached, with 5,500 soldiers poised to carry out relief work.

Storm damage could cost millions, insurers say | Toronto Star

Storm damage could cost millions, insurers say | Toronto Star: Official figures aren’t yet available but one estimate has put the cost of the torrential downpour in Toronto at more than $600 million – among the biggest in the city’s history.

The Calgary flood just two and a half weeks earlier could rival Canada’s largest ever catastrophic event -- the Quebec ice storm of 1998 -- which cost insurers $1.8 billion, other analysts said.

Jon Bon Jovi Gives $1 Million To Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund : Music News : Mstarz

Jon Bon Jovi Gives $1 Million To Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund : Music News : Mstarz

Flood relief, debit card tab hits $50 million

Flood relief, debit card tab hits $50 million: The province has already handed out upwards of $50 million in debit cards and initial disaster relief — and is now trying to figure out how it will determine compensation so Albertans affected by the floods can do the heavy lifting needed to rebuild their homes.

Toronto floods: Bring on the Calgary comparisons | canada.com

It is inevitable, after the Great Toronto Flood of 2013 – how does Toronto compare to Calgary.
Well, there is no comparison.

Toronto floods: Bring on the Calgary comparisons | canada.com

Heavy rainfall hits relief operations in Uttarakhand - The Hindu

Heavy rainfall hits relief operations in Uttarakhand - The Hindu: Relief and rescue operations were severely hampered on Monday due to heavy rainfall in the disaster-hit areas of Uttarakhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continuous heavy rainfall at some places in the State till Tuesday.

Calgary's flood emergency officially ends - News - MSN CA

Calgary's flood emergency officially ends - News - MSN CA

City's airport tunnel boss to oversee flood recovery effort

City's airport tunnel boss to oversee flood recovery effort: With the city’s post-flood costs to repair infrastructure pegged at hundreds of millions of dollars, the head of transportation projects has shifted to a new role: director of recovery operations.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi is introducing Gord Stewart as the new recovery director Monday, in an effort to convey the city’s shift from emergency to recovery after lifting the two-week state of local emergency last Thursday.

Adrian Brijbassi: Why Calgary Should Consider a Winter Stampede Post-Flood

Adrian Brijbassi: Why Calgary Should Consider a Winter Stampede Post-Flood: Economic Benefits of Expanding the Stampede Brand

If there's a lesson for the city and tourism operators in Calgary to take away from the flood it might be that now's the time to dramatically diversify event offerings to have another giant festival that attracts global attention. In my mind, the surest way to make an immediate and sustained impact is through launching an annual Calgary Winter Stampede.

British Red Cross reports �14m fall in income

British Red Cross reports �14m fall in income: Charity cites fewer international emergencies, such as the 2011 Japanese tsunami, for its income dropping to �200m in 2012

The British Red Cross's income fell by �14m to �200m in 2012 - a drop of 6 per cent on the previous year- according to accounts filed with the Charity Commission last month.

But there was a larger fall in the charity’s expenditure, down by 11 per cent from �231m to �205m.

Himalayan Flood Disaster Rescue an Uphill Battle � The Epoch Times

Himalayan Flood Disaster Rescue an Uphill Battle � The Epoch Times:A ccording to Gupta, truck loads full of donations have been arriving in Rishikesh from all over India. But while relief workers are in dire need of many goods, Gupta says that many people donate without knowing the geography or the culture in the flood-hit state

Unflappable Redford’s pancake breakfast tradition goes ahead - The Globe and Mail

Unflappable Redford’s pancake breakfast tradition goes ahead - The Globe and Mail: Alison Redford says she thought long and hard about whether to go forward with the Premier’s Stampede breakfast this year, realizing the volunteers needed for the pancakes-and-sausage tradition could be used in communities still mopping up after the worst flood in Alberta’s history.

Calgary flood damage to cost city $256M - News - MSN CA

Calgary flood damage to cost city $256M - News - MSN CA: Calgary officials say it will cost at least $256.5 million to repair damage from the flooding that devastated parts of the city last month.

Community effort puts Stampede 101 on track

Community effort puts Stampede 101 on track: One of the issues Stampede officials faced was trying to determine if continuing with the 10-day extravaganza was the right thing to do. Kimball said it was important for the city for the Stampede to go ahead and the organization did everything it could to put it on.

“The only thing that would have made us not do it is if we didn’t think we could deliver it and by Monday we knew we could deliver everything except the lower level of the Big Four and the Saddledome was a strong maybe at that point,” said Kimball.

Calgary Thanks Edmonton For Flood Help In Newspaper Ad (PHOTO)

Calgary Thanks Edmonton For Flood Help In Newspaper Ad (PHOTO): The City of Calgary ran an advertisement in the Edmonton Journal to thank the city for their help during the June flood.

Titled "Edmonton, Your Generosity Runs Deep," the ad featured a photo of a car submerged in floodwater.

Mabel Lake golf event helps flood relief - Vernon Morning Star

Mabel Lake golf event helps flood relief - Vernon Morning Star: Mabel Lake Golf and Country Club superintendent Peter Bysouth and pro shop manager Dave Holoiday will haul out their clubs Wednesday and play a 24-hour golf marathon to raise funds for the Calgary flood relief fund.

Animal rescuers wade through waist-deep waters to save flood victims of a different kind | Alberta | News | Calgary Sun

Animal rescuers wade through waist-deep waters to save flood victims of a different kind | Alberta | News | Calgary Sun: But when the flood waters hit, Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society troops waded into new territory contending with pigs, chickens, horses and one displaced turtle that showed up in an ice cream pail — the not-for-profit charity taking in about 100 animals, many pets of those left homeless from the flooded Siksika First Nation.

City officials eye work camp to house labourers for Calgary flood aftermath | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun

City officials eye work camp to house labourers for Calgary flood aftermath | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun: he massive influx of tradespeople needed to rebuild damaged parts of the city will likely need to be housed in a work camp, a city alderman said Tuesday.

Saskatoon food drive for Calgary flood victims | Globalnews.ca

Saskatoon food drive for Calgary flood victims | Globalnews.ca: ASKATOON – A food drive will take place Tuesday in Saskatoon to help with the Calgary flood relief.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., collections will be taken at the Stonebridge Walmart.

Flood devastated Calgary Zoo facing $50 million repair bill | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun

Flood devastated Calgary Zoo facing $50 million repair bill | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun: The Calgary Zoo has vowed to reopen and rebuild as quickly as possible following millions of dollars in flood-related damage.

After Alberta flood, Stampede soldiers on without marquee musical attractions - The Globe and Mail

After Alberta flood, Stampede soldiers on without marquee musical attractions - The Globe and Mail: The rushing, silty water swamped the Stampede grounds and filled the Saddledome arena up to the eighth row of seats. Despite a race to repair the sports and entertainment facility, it is not ready to handle the big, complicated shows by Carly Rae Jepsen, Tim McGraw, Dixie Chicks and Kiss that were slated for July 10 through July 13, organizers sai

Eight-Year Old Raises Nearly $600 for Red Cross Disaster Relief

Eight-Year Old Raises Nearly $600 for Red Cross Disaster Relief: Caroline Oswitt of Northbridge dropped by the Red Cross of Central Massachusetts offices in Worcester Monday, June 24 and brightened the day for the Red Cross staff with her compassion and concern for people in Oklahoma following the recent spring storms. At just eight years old Oswitt, organized a fundraiser for Red Cross disaster relief.

Calgary flood damage to cost city $265M - Calgary - CBC News

Calgary flood damage to cost city $265M - Calgary - CBC News: Calgary officials say it will cost at least $265.5 million to repair damage from the flooding that devastated parts of the city last month.

The preliminary estimates were discussed by aldermen on the finance committee, which met Tuesday in a temporary space in the city’s northeast because city hall in downtown Calgary is not yet fully open.

Calgary flood victims begin applying for financial assistance for rebuilding | CTV Calgary News

Calgary flood victims begin applying for financial assistance for rebuilding | CTV Calgary News: Calgarians who suffered property damage in recent flooding are able to apply for disaster financial assistance from the province of Alberta.

“We have made changes to the Disaster Recovery Program because of these extraordinary circumstances,” says Minister Ric McIver. “These changes have shaved weeks off the normal process, and this means we are beginning face-to-face conversations with, and providing financial support to, affected Albertans within days, not months, of the floods.”

Fundraising efforts ongoing

Fundraising efforts ongoing: To date, the "Hell or High Water" T-shirts have raised more than $500,000 for the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Floods Fund.

The shirts are selling like flapjacks: more than 10,000 orders are received daily.

Any cowpoke interested in buying one of the popular tops is asked to visit http: //store.calgarystampede. com.

Red Cross fundraisers

Thousands of volunteers descend on Calgary's Mission district to help with flood cleanup | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun

Thousands of volunteers descend on Calgary's Mission district to help with flood cleanup | Calgary | News | Calgary Sun: housands of Calgarians spent the first day of their Canada Day long weekend cleaning flood-ravaged communities around the city Saturday, in the biggest volunteer effort since the Bow and Elbow Rivers spilled their banks June 20.

More than 2,000 turned out in Mission — where they’ve branded the effort Mission: Possible — clearing debris, stripping basements and beginning the monumental task of rebuilding.

Calgary flood 2013 sees Laureen Harper helping clean up city | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post

Calgary flood 2013 sees Laureen Harper helping clean up city | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post: The prime minister’s wife, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Sunday, reportedly put in a long day of work in and around Calgary. She helped clear a driveway of rubble, the Calgary Herald reports, “hauling heavy, dangerous items full of rusty nails into the backs of waiting garbage trucks,” assisting in cleaning up and dropping off food at the Morley reserve to Calgary’s west.

Calgary flood 2013 sees Laureen Harper helping clean up city | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post

Calgary flood 2013 sees Laureen Harper helping clean up city | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post: The prime minister’s wife, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Sunday, reportedly put in a long day of work in and around Calgary. She helped clear a driveway of rubble, the Calgary Herald reports, “hauling heavy, dangerous items full of rusty nails into the backs of waiting garbage trucks,” assisting in cleaning up and dropping off food at the Morley reserve to Calgary’s west.

Alberta Floods 2013

Alberta Floods 2013: Alberta Floods 2013

ISERV observes flooding in Calgary : Image of the Day

ISERV observes flooding in Calgary : Image of the Day: ISERV captured 24 images of the Alberta flooding from June 22–24. The research team sent those images to Ken Korporal, agri-geomatics manager for Environment Canada, who distributed them to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing Emergency Geomatics, and other government agencies. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police noted that they have found the photos useful for managing the flood aftermath.

Province announces Calgary flood cash cards and disaster registration | Metro

Province announces Calgary flood cash cards and disaster registration | Metro: Flood relief cash cards are coming for Calgary, and the province has announced preliminary information on disaster flood relief applications.

Alberta’s transportation minister Ric McIver made the announcement on flood relief at the Home Depot on Macleod Trail Saturday, opening the door for thousands of Albertans to get money to start rebuilding their lives.

Habitat for Humanity China recruits volunteers to distribute relief kits to families affected by Sichuan earthquake

Habitat for Humanity China recruits volunteers to distribute relief kits to families affected by Sichuan earthquake: Bangkok, 28th June 2013 – Habitat for Humanity China is currently recruiting volunteers and securing corporate sponsors to support distribution of relief kits to families affected by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Sichuan on Saturday 20 April.

Red Cross vows flood help for 'as long as it takes' - Canada - Canoe.ca

Red Cross vows flood help for 'as long as it takes' - Canada - Canoe.ca: CALGARY -- Canadian Red Cross officials vowed Thursday to continue relief efforts from the flood disaster, which could take months, if not years.

CBC Back in the Saddle Block Party and fundraiser - Calgary - CBC News

CBC Back in the Saddle Block Party and fundraiser - Calgary - CBC News: The unprecedented flooding in Calgary and area has meant a change in plans for our annual Stampede kickoff at CBC Calgary. We're going to broadcast all day from outside our building and raise money for flood relief — and we need your help!

N.Y. Maritime Museum Afloat in Troubles - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

N.Y. Maritime Museum Afloat in Troubles - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Closed since April because of electrical damage from Hurricane Sandy, the financially strapped South Street Seaport Museum has lost its main source of financial support, writes The New York Times.

The small but culturally significant museum, which was founded in 1967 to chronicle New York City’s maritime history, has a collection that includes ship models, paintings, tools, and 11 historic vessels.

Thousands of Queenslanders in need receive share of $10 million in disaster relief funding | Herald Sun

Thousands of Queenslanders in need receive share of $10 million in disaster relief funding | Herald Sun: MORE than 6200 disaster-stricken Queenslanders have shared in about $10 million worth of donations following this year's summer of disasters when vast areas of the state flooded.

The Queensland Floods Appeal committee wrapped up last month after dispensing $10.843 million raised in the wake of Cyclone Oswald which initially struck the state in January and resulted in widespread flooding across Queensland and mini tornadoes in areas including Bargara, Burnett Heads and Mooloolaba.

Charity giving rose in 2012 to $316 billion - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Charity giving rose in 2012 to $316 billion - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: While high-profile fundraising for victims of Hurricane Sandy generated $236 million in donations in the last quarter of 2012, that amount represented less than 1 percent of all giving for the year, Mr. Carlson noted.

"Episodic giving -- whether it's 9-11, or Haiti or Sandy -- as part of overall giving does not have a big impact. Where it really may have an impact is in particular sectors, such as environmental or international giving, but it really doesn't move the needle overall."

Second grader kick-starts collection for Oklahoma’s tornado victims - NorthJersey.com

Second grader kick-starts collection for Oklahoma’s tornado victims - NorthJersey.com: Northjersey.com : Montville (including Pine Brook & Towaco)
Second grader kick-starts collection for Oklahoma’s tornado victims
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Neighbor News (Montville Edition)
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Second grader Joseph "Joe" L. Sluck IV came home from school and wanted to send money to the schools in Oklahoma that were destroyed by the tornado and many children lost their lives.

Mary Pat Christie, Chef David Burke Team Up For National Dine Out Day � CBS New York

Mary Pat Christie, Chef David Burke Team Up For National Dine Out Day � CBS New York

Fund for Boston Bombing Victims Tops $46-Million - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Fund for Boston Bombing Victims Tops $46-Million - Philanthropy Today - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: The charity fund established for victims of the Boston Marathon bombing has raised over $46-million as of a Saturday application deadline for disbursements from the fund, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Thaxton 11-year-old launches disaster relief effort - wdbj7.com

Thaxton 11-year-old launches disaster relief effort - wdbj7.com: His drive has led him to do something most kids would never dream of: start his own relief organization.

"I want to get people from New York and New Jersey who suffered through Hurricane Sandy, or in Oklahoma where the recent tornadoes hit, to have money and hope to rebuild," Balderston said.

He plans to spend the rest of his summer collecting donations, water, anything he can, through a group he's starting called "Oakridge Relief." It's named after the street he lives on.

Relief Efforts Bolstered By Shirt Sales - SoonerSports.com - Official Athletics Site of the Oklahoma Sooners

Relief Efforts Bolstered By Shirt Sales - SoonerSports.com - Official Athletics Site of the Oklahoma Sooners: NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Oklahoma would like to thank supporters across the country for their overwhelming response to benefit shirt efforts to support Oklahoma disaster victims in 2013. To date, OU and its licensing partners have collected nearly $160,000 through shirt sales to aid the United Way in the organization’s relief and recovery efforts throughout Oklahoma.

Aly Raisman Speaking at Marathon Bombing Victim Gala - Needham, MA Patch

Aly Raisman Speaking at Marathon Bombing Victim Gala - Needham, MA Patch: local gold medal is heading downtown to support Boston Marathon bombing victims.

Needham-native, Olympian, and "Dancing With the Stars" competitor Aly Raisman announced on her Facebook page that she would be speaking at an event to benefit Adrian

Fundraiser to phenomenon | Canton Citizen

Fundraiser to phenomenon | Canton Citizen: On this day, all six of the district’s schools were transformed into a sea of blue and yellow as thousands donned their custom-made “Boston Strong” t-shirts, designed and sold by CHS students Meghan Peters, Jill Eckler, Courtney Loughnane and Kaitlyn Kelleher, with a big assist from CHS secretary Heather Sullivan and select staff at each of the schools.

The fundraiser quickly morphed into a phenomenon, and by the time the order was placed to Camelot Enterprises of Stoughton, the girls had managed to sell over 3,300 shirts — in a district of 3,262 students — while generating a profit in excess of $27,000 to be sent to the One Fund Boston.

Waters True Value donates $4,000 with the help of social media - News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS

Waters True Value donates $4,000 with the help of social media - News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS: Waters True Value utilized Facebook to bring awareness about relief efforts to the community. Waters’ encouraged their Facebook friends to share a “Pray for Oklahoma” status with a promise of donating one dollar to the disaster relief efforts for each share. After only two days, the status generated over 2,000 shares. The True Value Corporation in Chicago continued the endeavor by matching the amount, resulting in a $4,000 donation given to the Oklahoma City Red Cross.

Disaster relief group cooking 200,000 meals for storm victims | KFOR.com

Disaster relief group cooking 200,000 meals for storm victims | KFOR.com: Help continues to pour in for storm victims and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief group has focused on providing hot meals for people affected by the recent vicious storms.

This army of volunteers has served more than 200,000 meals to people in Moore, El Reno, Shawnee and other areas hit.

The goal is simple; to keep peoples’ tummies full and to give them nutrition.

American Red Cross Launches Digital Training Program for Disaster Relief Volunteers - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee

American Red Cross Launches Digital Training Program for Disaster Relief Volunteers - PR Newswire - The Sacramento Bee: WASHINGTON, June 4, 2013 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today,the American Red Cross announced a new, technology-based training program for disaster relief volunteers that will allow them to access training programs remotely through mobile devices.

West battling ‘donor fatigue’ in recovery efforts - WacoTrib.com: West Explosion

West battling ‘donor fatigue’ in recovery efforts - WacoTrib.com: West Explosion: Michael Nilsen, vice president of public affairs for the Association of 
Fundraising Professionals in Arlington, Va., said West might benefit in its fundraising efforts because of the uniqueness of the tragedy, one caused by something other than natural disasters.

“There is no magic silver bullet that will keep people interested in giving. You see this phenomenon all the time. It has to be a continuing process, but we can only go to the well so much because there are others who say, we need, we need and we need, too.

Oklahoma tornadoes: Faith groups cooperate with one another to help tornado victims | News OK

Oklahoma tornadoes: Faith groups cooperate with one another to help tornado victims | News OK: Faith groups have spread out in force to help Oklahomans attempting to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of deadly tornadoes around the state.

Ensuring storm relief contributions are used effectively � Business � The Norman Transcript

Ensuring storm relief contributions are used effectively � Business � The Norman Transcript: As we’ve seen in response to other recent events, Americans are generous and quick to give in times of crisis and tragedy,” said Andrew Watt, FInstF, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals . “Most organizations involved in these efforts are truly working to make a difference, but taking just a few precautions can help ensure your money goes to legitimate organizations helping those families and communities affected by the tornadoes.”

Watt noted that new fundraising technology is forcing donors to take a little more time in making their giving decisions.

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013: Victoria Principal Joins Americans Across The Country To Support American Humane Association And Their Red Star Rescue Team As They Save Animals In The Wake Of Oklahoma Tornado | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013: Victoria Principal Joins Americans Across The Country To Support American Humane Association And Their Red Star Rescue Team As They Save Animals In The Wake Of Oklahoma Tornado | PRNewswire | Rock Hill Herald Online: ctress, entrepreneur and author Victoria Principal is joining Americans across the nation in support of American Humane Association's lifesaving work to rescue and shelter animals caught in the path of the devastating Oklahoma tornado last week.