We’ve said it before but it bears repeating – people of Chatham-Kent may complain and bicker, but throw a crisis at them, and they come together like the closest of families.
There was example after example of agencies, organizations and individuals who stepped up during the recent flooding to help the victims and protect property. Municipal employees, fire, police and EMS personnel, Entegrus and Union Gas staff were quick to offer aid and ensure safety.
But now that the floodwaters have receded, there is more work to be done, including clean up, assessment of the damage and relief for damage victims.
The Chatham Rotary Club has added another step into the process, promoting the area businesses that were damaged by the flood, and encouraging people to visit those stores and shops March 9 and 10.
That’s how we do it in Chatham-Kent, and Rotarians are the most recent example of how to do it right. By visiting the businesses hit hard by the flood, you are showing your support and helping them to get on the road to recovery.
Sure, some shops may still be closed while they clean up the mess left behind by floodwaters or order new stock, but for those doors that are open this weekend, let’s show our business brethren that we have their backs.
Buy a coffee or delicious baked good at Sam’s Percolator, stop in the Satellite for lunch or visit any of the other great downtown stores. Thamesville has some great shops and restaurants that could use a friendly face or two to help them over the rough patch as well.
Thanks to Rotary for reminding us that the crisis isn’t quite over yet and that there are still fellow citizens who need our support. These are the businesses that sponsor local teams, find us just the right gift, feed us when we don’t feel like cooking and make our downtown areas community gathering sites.
It’s often the case, just like with families, where we can complain about us, but we close ranks and support one another when it really counts.
Chatham-Kent always steps up.
