Together in tough times

Pure North delivers mental health care during flood recovery

‘Somebody was on our side’

When her basement was inundated with sewage during the floods, Elva Pena was powerless to stop the damage to her home and its contents. In the days following the flood, many agencies were brought in to help the victims recover. That’s when Elva was introduced to Pure North.

“There was a gentleman handing out brochures, and asking if we wanted to participate in the program,” she said. “It was very important in that time to have any help at all.”

She and two friends started the Pure North program, and Elva said it had an immediate and lasting effect.

“We had never heard of taking Vitamin D before. We didn’t know the importance of that. The vitamins are very good. We started taking it every single day.”

Elva said that having Pure North on site to support her made a huge difference in her recovery.

“We felt that somebody was on our side, that somebody wanted to help us. Otherwise, we would feel abandoned and alone. There was much less stress after Pure North. We’re feeling much better now that most of (the damage) is repaired.”

Elva continues to participate in the Pure North program.

“I really like the program,” she said. “It’s excellent. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” ‘It’s helped with my mental health’

Carol Mowbray’s home of 23 years was completely destroyed by the floods. would be traumatic for anyone, but for Carol – who already suffered from occasional depression – her recovery was that much more of a challenge.

When a friend suggested she participate in a Pure North program, she was initially skeptical.

“I’ve never been a vitamin taker,” she said. “But a friend of mine had been on the program for a year, and she said ‘You should try it.’ So I did.”

Carol said she noticed a difference in her mood after only a short time on the program.

“I really do feel it’s helped with my mental health,” she said. “I feel more even-keeled. I have more of a handle on the depression than I had before the flood. (The program) has helped me.”

Carol added that the care she has received has made her journey much easier.

“They are a very kind organization,” she said. “Everybody has been very kind and compassionate. They take time to listen to your concerns.”

Carol has been able to settle back down in High River, purchasing a house and rebuilding her life after the flood.

“It’s been an adjustment,” she said. “You think you can adjust quickly, but you can’t. We have a really good support system, and we’re continuing to improve.”

‘It was like a miracle’

Gerry and Sandy Day consider themselves the lucky ones. While their home just outside High River was surrounded with floodwater, it was spared any extensive damage. Sandy says having to flee took an emotional toll.

“We had a few experiences where we were caught in some deep water,” she said. “The scariest moment was when we met up with our grandchildren and thought, ‘Where is safe? Can we get across bridges? Where can we go?’”

Once the waters receded and the recovery began, Sandy sought out Pure North for some extra support.

“My daughter had gone, and she said, ‘You really should go, mom.’”

Sandy took her daughter’s advice, and immediately felt like she was in good hands.

“One of the biggest things was just feeling supported,” she said. “They did all kinds of tests – it was nice to know where I was physically.”

Sandy began the wellness program, and credits it with helping her recover emotionally from the floods.

“The vitamins helped me sleep better, and I had more energy,” she said. “I’ve taken them loyally – I’m very faithful to them.”

Sandy said the community was very grateful that Pure North was on site to help so soon after the flooding.

“I just felt like it was such a kindness for Pure North to come to High River after the flood, and to bring such skilled people,” she said. “It was such a big deal to us that they came out to help, that they wanted to help, and to offer it all to us for free – it was really something.

“Somebody was on our side” “a friend of mine had been on the program for a year, and she said ‘You should try it.’ So I did.”