Nearly 40,000 (yes that's forty thousand) people, mostly American
citizens, showed up on the Canada's doorstep that afternoon in
September 2001. They all had to be accommodated and fed for 3 or 4 days
until flights could resume to the US again. Gander, Newfoundland had
their population just about double in one afternoon when 39 wide bodies
arrived at the local airport. Most people serving in the cafeteria
lines and opening their homes were volunteers and never asked for
anything in return. Their neighbour was in trouble and they just wanted
to help.