Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, assists with flood relief efforts in High River, Alta.

In the wake of the flooding disaster that washed over southern Alberta, Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women's ministries, travelled to Calgary in July to tour some of the areas that were affected.

The Tillsleys joined Majors Ron and Donna Millar, divisional leaders, Alberta and Northern Territories Division, and the Glenmore Temple Band on July 5 as they took part in the parade celebrating the Calgary Stampede. The Salvation Army band is the longest-serving band in the Stampede parade, proclaiming the message of hope for 99 years.

The Tillsleys also visited the Centre of Hope in Calgary to survey the damage caused by the flood and then travelled to High River the following day where they visited the corps, family services office and thrift store, witnessing the devastation first-hand. They greeted the workers who were assisting with the clean-up efforts and walked along the streets, offering words of encouragement to residents who were cleaning out homes and salvaging what they could of their belongings.

On July 6, the Glenmore Temple Band and choir presented a concert with the theme of In Joyful Service, and Captain Pam Goodyear, divisional secretary for public relations and development, spoke about the work The Salvation Army had been doing with regard to flood relief.