The Red Cross continue to help those affected by the ice storm by supporting 10 of the City’s warming centers across Toronto. Approximately 800 people stayed in those centres last night. In addition, Red Cross volunteers are also supporting 14 sites in southern Ontario, outside of the city.
At the warming centre at the Dennis R Timbrell Community Centre, approximately 100 people sought refuge there the first night it was open. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the centre yesterday.
At the center, the Premier spoke many of the families who have had to come in from the cold, including one Toronto resident, Adriana, and her two young children, Pietro and Sabrina who have been without power since the weekend.
She also met with Red Cross volunteers working at the shelter, including Leila Brown and her partner and daughter, all of whom are Red Cross volunteers. The family drove in from Orangeville yesterday to support the Red Cross response to the ice storm.
Red Cross volunteers Henry Psenicka, Leila Brown, and Delaney Swanson with Premier Wynne.
The Red Cross is prepared to keep the warming centres open through the holidays, or for as long as they are needed while power outages continue. The centers are equipped with cots, blankets, some toiletry items, and those visiting the warming centres can have a hot meal.