Whether it is offering assistance to people as far away as Japan, fellow Albertans in Slave Lake whose homes were devastated by wildfires, or their neighbours, people of the Lakeland have proven time and time again how generous their spirits truly are.
While efforts to help Slave Lake fire victims have been the focus of many locals' kindness the past few weeks, more recently, residents have stepped up to help one of their own.
Adrian Morton, who lives about seven miles north of LaCorey, lost his entire home and equipment on his property to a fire last month.
In his own words, everything is "100 per cent, totally gone."
A fire back in the 1980's caused damage to his property that his insurance company wouldn't cover because he lived over five miles from a fire department. Since then, Morton let his insurance run out and has not had any since.
While it would be wise to research different policies to find one that is suitable to one's needs, it would be difficult not to sympathize with a man who lost everything before his very eyes.
Mary Anne Leroux organized a potluck benefit supper this past Friday night that truly brought a community together. It was quite touching and inspirational to see so many people come together to help a neighbour through a difficult situation. Attendees brought lots of food and donations were made in monetary form as well as to the silent auction. Nearly $9,500 was raised and went directly to Morton.
Kudos to Leroux and the other volunteers for putting together such a successful event in such a short period of time.
Morton said he wasn't expecting such an event, but knowing the generous spirit of the people of the Lakeland, it did not come as much of a surprise to us.
