A well-known Christian aid organization is helping those affected by flooding in Southern Alberta.

Samaritan's Purse Canada is based in Calgary, one of many communities directly affected by the flooding of the Bow, Elbow, Highwood, Sheep and South Saskatchewan rivers last week. Over 100,000 Calgarians were forced from their homes and the flooding has caused large amounts of damage throughout the city.

"We're well away from the flooding, which actually is a blessing because we're able to support many other Calgarians who are living in these flood zones and disaster areas," said Carla Bregani, Senior Communications Officer for Samaritan's Purse Canada. "It doesn't happen very often that it's right in our backyard, but we're grateful that it's right here, and we can just mobilize volunteers and really bless Calgarians who are going through a difficult time right now."

The organization receives great support every year through their Operation Chirstmas Child program, which allows people to send shoeboxes filled with gifts to help children in need overseas at Christmas time, and Bregani says responding to a disaster right in their home community is a way to give back.

"It's neat to see Canadians working together, whether it's praying, donating financially or signing up to volunteer," she added. "Supporting each other just as we support the children overseas in sending those Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to them. We just want to share God's love wherever we are."

Bregani says they've already registered over 300 volunteers to help in Calgary, and they are mobilizing disaster relief units in affected communities.

"These are specially equipped trucks with all sorts of special equipment that we use to clean out homes, remove drywall and do lots of big things," she added. "We have one here at the office and another coming in from Ontario, and one coming up from our United States office too."

You can get more information on Samaritan Purse's response efforts or find out how you can help by calling 1-866-628-6565 or by visiting samaritanspurse.ca.