118. How to Respond in a Crisis - 9/11 in Gander, NF

The After 30 Podcast

On September 11, 2001, at 9:26 a.m. the FAA shut down its airspace. More than 4,000 planes were forced to land. Flights coming from Europe were grounded in Canada. And so 38 planes containing 6,579 passengers and crew members, 11 dogs, nine cats and two endangered apes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland.

This small town on an island at the edge of Atlantic (population: 9,651) with a giant heart quickly sprung into action. Suddenly over the course of five days, Gander’s population exploded. Community buildings were transformed into shelters. The town called on its citizens for help for anything they could do. And they delivered!

Diane Davis was one of the incredible teachers responsible for managing the influx of passengers. Gander at the time, provided food, shelter and helped anyone who was stranded to get what they needed. She also inspired one of the main characters in the extraordinary musical Come From Away. Diane talks to us about the thousands of people deplaned in Gander and how they made extraordinary connections with the community who shared their hospitality, and taught the world about our capacity to give during times of crisis.

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