When one of the strongest typhoons ever smashed into the Philippines last November, a group of Montrealers volunteered their time to fly around the world and help.
Among them were a sergeant-detective with the Montreal police force and a professional photographer.
Both Francoise Fortin and Jimmy Vigneux say they received far more than they gave.
Along with Global Medic, they spent three weeks in Tacloban with a new humanitarian aid division for Quebec's Leger foundation, which supports work to improve living conditions of vulnerable communities.
"For the few nights we were sleeping outside because everything was it's like you razed everything with a big compressor," said Fortin.
She credits her 26 years as a police officer for helping her adjust to the difficult conditions and to mentally support her team.
"We were seeing bodies, we were seeing... the scene was so dark at a certain point and conditions were difficult but I was feeling quite comfortable in this," said Fortin.
But being involved in disaster relief was a new experience, as was learning what became their most important task: purifying water.
"We wanted to help as soon as possible. I was so impressed a day and a half after we get there I was distributing clean, clear, drinkable water," said Fortin.
Vigneux worked alongside Fortin, but also spent time documenting everything he saw.
He remembers one haunting exchange with a man struggling with the horror he'd witnessed.
"Just in two minutes he told me, when the waves come I hear people yelling help, help...and after 15 minutes it's completely quiet. And he tell me - that's my story," said Vigneux.
"It's the hardest thing because you know these people are suffering."
Suffering but strong and Fortin was inspired every day while she watched people wait in line for water.
"Everybody was calm, smiling. Elders, parents children, they were positive and sometimes, I listen and some were singing while they were waiting," she said.
Since their return to Montreal the pair are still working for those they met in the Philippines, preparing 1,000 water filters to send to the storm-struck country.
They say it's the least they can do to help those who showed them what resilience truly means.
"It was a privilege. I hope it inspired my children," said Fortin. "Showing to my children that it's so grateful to help because when you're there with the people, you're the one receiving."
