Bryan Baeumler Opens Up About His Relief Work in Florida Following Hurricane Irma

The response to our request for donations was incredible! We had rows of skids packed with tools, food, water, diapers and shelter materials. It was a humbling experience to see how businesses jumped to it when we suggested this relief expedition. Thank you to everyone who helped – it didn’t go unnoticed.

After spending a few hours loading the supplies with help from a number of volunteers, the 54-foot truck was ready to make the long journey to Florida. Sarah and I were on hand to help organize and fit as much as we could into the truck. We didn’t want to leave anything behind.

These were our excellent volunteers on the Ontario end. The importance of having them assist during the relief process goes without saying – but having good people to help others in a time of crisis is what makes our society so incredible. Thank you, team!

After the long journey down, we were hit by the level of devastation in the Florida Keys area. These pictures only provide an idea of the damage done – they do not display the emotional distress the residents we spoke to experienced and are still dealing with. This was hard for us to take in; I still don’t think it has, and I was just a bystander.

The area had really been turned upside down. The water was dotted with abandoned boats and debris. A paradise blighted by Mother Nature. We did our best to assist those who had lost so much, and they were so appreciative. The task seemed hopeless, but we tried to stay upbeat for those who needed a welcome lift.

The number of properties that had been torn apart is difficult to imagine. True, this is just bricks and mortar, but what I couldn’t help thinking about was the emotional attachment we have to our homes. These four walls are filled with love, kindness and great memories. Luckily a hurricane can’t take that away from us, but to see your home in this state must be heartbreaking.

These pictures do not explain the stench when we arrived. The hurricane tore through the area, taking with it all the waste hanging around. But what really stood out was the smell of dead marine life. Obviously our focus was on the people affected, but it was sad to see the amount of sea life killed in the storm.

The calm after the storm. Although these moments of serenity weren’t the focus of the trip, these scenes brought everyone a sense of promise. Mother Nature can give and take, but the beauty she does provide can give us all hope.

After a long trip down, the truck finally made it and we were ready. We had met so many people who were desperate for the basics, and we were so excited to provide them with the donations. Thank you to the driver for making the journey.

We had a team of volunteers on hand at the Florida end of this expedition, and they were so focused on getting these products to the right place. It took us six hours to unload the truck and organize the supplies, yet it felt like no time whatsoever and our steps were light with excitement.

Playing with machinery and helping people out – my perfect day! This beast helped get those skids off as quickly as possible. I feel slightly guilty, as I did enjoy this part a lot, but my focus was on those who needed the donations.

Here is the Florida volunteer gang. You guys were awesome! There are so many thank-yous that I would like to offer, but what was clear throughout the entire process is that we are a better human race when we work together to help each other. None of us know what will happen tomorrow or the day after, but if we attempt to traverse this life together, we will ultimately win.