Red Cross volunteers across Ontario have been called on to help support warming centres and overnight shelters for those affected by the severe winter storm that hit the province on Saturday overnight. In Toronto, over 320 people visited the warming centres last night.
With reports from Toronto Hydro that over 264,000 people remain without power, people rely on the warming centres to warm up, charge their phones, enjoy hot coffee and snacks, and stay overnight if necessary.
Canadian Red Cross volunteers mobilized in Toronto. Photo: Karen Snider
Volunteers help out in Oshawa. Photo: Eric Smith
Cots set up at a warming centre in Toronto
The Canadian Red Cross is supporting 17 shelters and 7 warming centres in Toronto, York Region, Peel Region, Durham Region, Hamilton, Halton Region and Waterloo Region. An updated list of warming centres in Toronto can be found here.
Emergency supplies such as blankets, cots, bottle water and hygiene items