'It’s just what we do': community rallies behind tornado-torn producers near Foam Lake
Foam Lake is typically a quiet, small Saskatchewan community, but early Wednesday evening, the skies turned dark and the community was faced with a nasty twister.
Luckily, the community came out unscathed — but it was nearly a disaster for Foam Lake’s 1,100 residents.
“We dodged, in our community itself, what could have been a pretty big disaster. For some reason, the tornado or twister actually lifted and went around the actual town, but it came within hundreds of metres of the actual community,” said Mayor Shelley Thoen-Chaykoski Thursday morning.
The Foam Lake tornado actually wasn’t the only twister in Saskatchewan on Wednesday. Two more touched down as well.
It was a day many won’t forget, but as for damage, the town came out unscathed.
However, some local area farmers weren’t so lucky.
Chris Gislason was out with his granddaughter when he saw a life-altering event right before his eyes.
“We were out in the field and seen some dust devils form just a mile and a half up the road. Came across Highway 16. It just got larger and larger. That’s when the tornado started happening about a mile straight west of the yard here,” he explained.
Luckily, no one was hurt.
But, the Gislason family’s bin yard, along with their daughter and son-in-law's home, ended up right in the path of the twister.
It sent debris flying, toppled power line poles, and ripped apart a brand new shop, along with nearly all of Gislason’s bins. The family estimates that around 47 were lost in the twister.
One of those bins came dangerously close to hitting the family’s home.
Once the storm had ended, the community’s members wasted no time looking to help the family.
Of the dozens upon dozens who showed up, one succeeded in getting his large social media following to take notice of the destruction in Youtuber, Dickson Delorme — or, QuickDick McDick —who was out helping the family Thursday.
“It’s really easy to just sit and watch on tv and not realize what it is. And then when it impacts your community directly, it gives you a whole new perspective,” said Delorme.
He and the crew have worked tirelessly, removing the downed trees and supporting the Gislason’s in whatever they may need.
“Everyone showed up with their grapple hooks and chainsaws. And whoever didn’t have any, showed up with just the will to help. And that’s all you need. That’s Saskatchewan right,” said Delorme.
The mayor echoed the YouTuber when describing how her community banded together in the less than ideal times.
“We look out for each other. That’s important. We know that someone will be checking in on us, because that’s just what we do,” said Thoen-Chaykoski.
Much of the power lost during the storm was restored within four hours. SaskPower is still on scene, looking to ensure the lights are on across the area in the near future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.