GANDER AND 7, 000 STRANDED PASSENGERS
20 years ago the World Trade Center was attacked; the Pentagon went up in flames, 3,000 died on that harrowing day.
All the planes in the sky carrying over 7, 000 passengers were ordered not to land in the US, just in case missiles had been ordered to attack all planes – the airspace shut down.
The Us now faced with an impossible dilemma!
Luckily, the US’s steadfast ally readily opened up an international airport at Gander on the island of Newfoundland, known locally as “the rock”.
People from Newfoundland are known for their generous hearts, their selflessness, and their willingness always to lend a helping hand.
They knew the passengers would be frightened and frantic with worry as they had no idea where they had landed nor why.
The residents of Gander –a town of 10, 000 and surrounding small villages now faced a logistics night mare- how to feed, clothe and provide accommodations for
7. 000 passengers.
The Mayor of Gander and his colleagues quickly came up with ingenious plans of how to best accommodate all the stranded passengers.
Immediately all the bus drivers who were on strike walked off their picket lines so they could transport the 7, 000 passengers.
All the towns’ people with extra rooms readily welcomed the “Come from Away” people to come and live with them.
They cooked them elaborate meals, let them sleep in their most comfortable beds, and even allowed them to drive their cars.
Grocery stores opened up their doors and allowed passengers to pick whatever they needed- no pay.
To relieve the passengers’ boredom, locals readily drove passenger all around the island happily showing of the rugged beauty of their coastal villages and towns.
For three days the Canadians opened up their hearts, opened up their wallets, and showed the world the best of humanity.
Not a single person would accept any payment; whatsoever, for their countless acts of kindness and compassion in providing the passenger with everything they needed to help them feel comfortable and help them heal.
They just wanted to help –what they always do when someone is in need.
Not only did they show true Canadian hospitality, but they managed to take really good care of 17 dogs and cats and two great apes that were also on board the planes.
Three days later when the passengers were finally able to board the planes , a long time fund raiser, Brooks-Jones passed around a notebook to all the passengers asking them to contribute to a scholarship fund for the children of Gander and the other small fishing villages .
When they landed and the notebook was returned, Brooks was astonished to discover an astounding $25, 000 had been pledged.
Since Brook did fund raising for a living, the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund has now grown to more than 2 million dollars! ( 2020)
So far the scholarship has helped over 200 graduates of Lewisporte Collegiate.
Brooks-Jones has returned to Gander over 20 times. She is so gratified to learn that one of the students who benefitted from the scholarship is now the town doctor. This remarkable story demonstrating the best of human kindness has now been turned into an award winning musical called, “ Come From Away” - the expression used by locals when referring to the stranded passengers from 38 planes.
When the impeached occupier of the White House was given tickets by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau so he could learn firsthand that Canadians do not deserve to be told that there is a “ special place in hell” for Canadians by Peter Navarro ( Trump adviser ) - Trump as expected declined!
Please share this remarkable story of human compassion with fellow Canadians and Americans.
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