What blossomed as a gesture of hope, turned into an exercise in frustration for some Fort McMurray green thumbs. In fact, some Facebook commentators gave it the thumbs down.
It all started after greenhouse plant growers across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan banded together to deliver two semi-trailer trucks loaded with donated plants and hanging baskets to beleaguered Fort McMurray residents.
Initiated by Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association (AGGA), the two vehicles transported an estimated 1,000 plants valued at nearly $40,000.
“This was meant to give people the gift of colour and hope. I believe we are in an industry that spreads happiness. I like to see people smile and I like to do things that give great joy,” said Michiel Verheul, owner of Sturgeon County’s High Q Greenhouses and past president of AGGA.
“We hope people will benefit and we hope it gives people the motivation to carry on and take it to the end. It will take more than a couple of years to rebuild Fort McMurray.”
The two vehicles filled with floral ambrosia arrived in Fort McMurray on Friday morning and set up a temporary greenhouse at the Wajax Heavy Equipment parking lot.
AGGA partnered with United Way Fort McMurray to coordinate the logistics and volunteers were on hand to distribute flowers to recipients.
For residents such as Donna Perrault Houston, the floral array was a perfect pick-me-up.
“This was so amazing and truly appreciated. Picking up a basket gave me hope again. I didn't think I would even plant anything this year and now I feel motivated to bring some beauty back to my yard. Thank you to all who donated to this and helped make it happen. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!” she wrote on the United Way Facebook page.
Russell Thomas, spokesperson for United Way, noted that many people were emotional and teary-eyed at the kindness of strangers.
“There’s a wave in terms of emotional impact here. Some weeks are easy. This week was a tough week and this is a ray of sunshine. When you think of how colour has an impact, this is extra special.”
The giveaways were promoted to start at 1 p.m. Gardeners arrived early, some even before the trucks arrived. With lineups increasing, the decision was made to start distribution before 1 p.m. Shortly after 1 p.m. the plants were gone.
While some residents took a few plants, volunteers filled up trucks and vans to deliver to seniors and shut-ins. Alongside the smiles and tears of gratitude, there was also anger expressed mainly on Facebook.
“We were so sad to arrive at 1:10 and find there was nothing left for those that came during the time allotted. A bunch of us went excited to get a flower but sadly we left empty handed,” wrote Ellen Parsons.
While Parsons took the missed occasion in stride, Tina Clewes took a more frank approach.
“A thumbs down to the folks that were greedy and took more than a couple for themselves …”
And Nicole Parsons added, “Too bad all the residents didn’t get one and people were going off with 10 to15 flowers apiece. People were filling their vehicles. It should have been one per household … so unfair.
Yes, life in the city is unfair. The community of Gregoire has been devastated. The Super-8 is burned, Denny’s is gone and there are cars still covered in ash.
However, Thomas notes that the forest is rejuvenating. And the racks of bright, fragrant flowers reminded people that renewal and hope are still present.
“It was like being in heaven. Hope, resilience and renewal all popped to mind with this generous gift and it’s had a profound impact. People struggle with emotions and this kindness goes a long way.”
Verheul explained that AGGA first initiated a similar delivery in 2011 after a wildfire burned through the Town of Slave Lake. In 2013 after the Calgary floods, AGGA once again transported three trucks of donated flowers to the waterlogged city.
He added, “We wanted to send a sign saying were are thinking about you. We haven’t forgotten.”
