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Spirit of Generosity2
Telegraph from the Mayor of Quebec City, offering a donation of $500.00 to aid with tornado relief.July, 1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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As word of Regina's devestation spread, the people of Canada and the world opened their hearts and showed the true spirit of generosity. In the first week following the tornado, hundreds of letters and telegraphs were receieved, expressing condolences and offering measures of support both large and small. This necessitated the creation of the Cyclone Relief Fund, to organize and distribute the generous donations made.By July 27th, the Cyclone Relief Fund held over $200,000.
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A letter from the Canadian Bank of Commerce transferring funds from Frank Coffee.July, 1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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A donation to the relief effort was also made from one unusual source. The Albini-Avolo Company, a theatre troupe visiting from the United States, staged a benefit performance of the comedy "The Real Thing" at the Regina Theatre and donated half of the proceeds to the victims of the tornado. The acting company included a young unknown actor who later took the stage name of Boris Karloff. Karloff and company staged another performance in Saskatoon, also donating proceeds from that show to the City of Regina.6
Even small towns rose to the occasion and offered donations to the Regina Cyclone Relief Fund.July, 1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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Even in an age without extensive media coverage, in a world without television, word of the tragedy in Regina spread - by telephone, telegraph, mail and word of mouth. Those who had connections with Regina and those who didn't opened their hearts to a city in need.8
A letter and donation from a woman who found herself in Regina the day after the tornado.1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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Money had a different value in 1912, and even one dollar was not insignificant. The kindess of Regina citizens came back in the form of a kind letter and a small donation from one a woman who found herself in Regina during the days following the tornado:"$1.00
Perbeck, Alta.
4th July 1912
Mayor P. McAra.
Sir,
Please accpet a further expression of sympathy in the loss and trouble which have fallen upon your city. I enclose a small contribution for the Relief Fund in recognition of an act of kindness shown to me in Regina on July 1st, when one of the resdients of the city drove a party across to the C.P.R. Depot in his automobile. Such acts of thoughtful kindness to strangers whilst your citizens are themselves suffering sorrow and anxiety call for gratitude and admiration."
Even with the hundreds of dollars in donations received by the Cyclone Relief Fund, the City of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan would find itself beneath a financial burden that was to last for decades.
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Text by Jaymie KorolukRegina Plains Museum
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