'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 Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.