Rising to the challenge: Meet 5 residents helping out with flood relief

As water levels continue to rise and threaten hundreds of homes around Ottawa and Gatineau, manyresidents have risento the challenge, pitching in to help friends and strangers alike.

• Ottawa region flooding: How to help

Here are just a few of them.

Manon Lavergne, Clarence-Rockland

On Friday therising Ottawa River lappedjust two metres fromManonLavergne's door inRockland, Ont..

But Lavergnewasn't onlyconcernedfor her property. Thevolunteer coordinator is working to organizethe sandbagging effortfor her community, and saidthe experience has brought her closer to her neighbours.

"It's overwhelming, but I'm super happy to live inRockland," she said.

But with more rain coming, the clock is ticking. On Thursdaythe mayor of Clarence-Rockland declared a state of emergency over fearsthe unrelenting precipitation will cause"havoc" in the community.

For Lavergneand her neighbours, the strain has taken its toll.

"We're getting exhausted," she said.

Bill Veck, Orlans

Bill Veck'sown home isn't in danger, sohe's helping fill sandbags and build dikes to protect other vulnerable propertiesin Orlans.Veck saidhe couldn't sit athome knowing his neighbours are struggling.

You see what's going on with these people in all the other areas and you've got to try and do something.- Bill Veck,Orlans

"I'm living up on a hill. I'm not going to be affected by the flood at all. But you see what's going on with these people in all the other areas and you've got to try and do something. It's total devastation. We had a fire a year and a half ago at the house, so I know what it's like to lose things. So if you can come out here and try to save some, that's great."

Julie Cot, Clarence-Rockland

Julie Cot'shome is on high ground and out of danger, butthat hasn't stopped her from getting her hands dirtyfilling sand bags.

"It's not fun seeing these people in the situation they're in ... It's really important to give back to the community. These people are in need. Those who can help, not everyone can, but to come down and lend a hand is really important."

Dennis Tass, Gatineau

Gatineau city councillorDennis Tassdoesn't live in the Pointe-Gatineauneighbourhood, but he'sbeen using his amphibious vehicle to reach affected people.

He even delivered pizza to people on Thursday.

Pierre Sigman, Gatineau

Having lived in the area since he was three, Pierre Sigmansays he wants to be there for neighboursand feels sorry for people who are losing preciouspossessions.

Sigman'sbeen patrolling the Pointe-Gatineaudistrict by kayak and checking in on residents who might need help.