In late March 2025, Ontario experienced a major ice storm, causing widespread power outages and damage in Orillia, Pefferlaw, Georgina, Dufferin, and Georgina Island First Nation.
Thousands of people were impacted by the ice storm and some communities were without electricity for more than a week.
In partnership with the Government of Ontario, Canadian Red Cross volunteers were on the ground supporting residents through a program that helps communities respond and recover from disasters and emergencies.
The Canadian Red Cross worked in collaboration with community leaders and Indigenous Services Canada to support those impacted in Georgia Island First Nation.
Community members were able to register for emergency services and information on available resources such as temporary shelter, meals, and safety protocols were shared to ensure everyone had access to the help they needed.
Credit: Guy Lepage / Canadian Red Cross
Thomas Seebeck sought shelter at the Pefferlaw Lions Club reception centre when his home went dark in Fenelon Falls. He says at first, he stayed nights in inexpensive hotels, but that strained his budget.
“It’s been a blessing, I have been so well received here, [I] couldn’t be happier,” said Thomas.
Credit: Guy Lepage / Canadian Red Cross
Mati Hobe and his wife were without power for six days when they heard a knock on the door from Canadian Red Cross volunteers.
“My wife and I have been sitting alone on our home since the power went out,” said Mati. “We were getting lonely, so it was great to see a friendly face.”
Checking in with the community provide a sense of comfort to individuals and households experiencing a disaster or emergency in their community. A friendly face that can offer reassurance, comfort, and ensure support is available can really make a difference during an emergency or disaster.
“We give them a sense of security that we are here to help and find out what exactly their needs are and how the Red Cross can help, " says Lisa Whebell, a long-time Canadian Red Cross volunteer. “That is why I volunteer with the Red Cross.”
“Many were just happy to have someone to talk to and to know they were not alone,” said Janet Joy, a Canadian Red Cross volunteer.
Credit: Karrie Lepoudre / Canadian Red Cross
At the request of Georgina Island First Nation and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Red Cross provided support for community members to shelter in place through the ice storms and power outages. This support included providing meals, emergency supplies like cots, pillows and blankets to open a community-led warming shelter, and personal hygiene items.
The Canadian Red Cross continues to partner with Indigenous leadership, the Government of Ontario, municipalities, Indigenous Services Canada, and many other partners to provide support to communities impacted by disasters and emergencies in Ontario.
Thank you to all our Emergency Management and Disaster volunteers and partners who supported the 2025 ice storm response in Ontario, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all community members.
Thousands of people were impacted by the ice storm and some communities were without electricity for more than a week.
In partnership with the Government of Ontario, Canadian Red Cross volunteers were on the ground supporting residents through a program that helps communities respond and recover from disasters and emergencies.
The Canadian Red Cross worked in collaboration with community leaders and Indigenous Services Canada to support those impacted in Georgia Island First Nation.
Canadian Red Cross and Pefferlaw Lions Club Collaborate to Support Residents Impacted by the Ice Storm
In Pefferlaw, the Canadian Red Cross set up a reception centre at the Pefferlaw Lions Club, offering hot meals and warm shelter with support from local Lions Club volunteers.Community members were able to register for emergency services and information on available resources such as temporary shelter, meals, and safety protocols were shared to ensure everyone had access to the help they needed.
Credit: Guy Lepage / Canadian Red Cross
Thomas Seebeck sought shelter at the Pefferlaw Lions Club reception centre when his home went dark in Fenelon Falls. He says at first, he stayed nights in inexpensive hotels, but that strained his budget.
“It’s been a blessing, I have been so well received here, [I] couldn’t be happier,” said Thomas.
Canadian Red Cross Volunteers Conduct Wellness Visits
Throughout various communities in Ontario, Canadian Red Cross volunteers checked in with community members on their needs, going door-to-door visiting those who were impacted by the storm, ensuring they had everything they needed, and let them know support was available.Credit: Guy Lepage / Canadian Red Cross
Mati Hobe and his wife were without power for six days when they heard a knock on the door from Canadian Red Cross volunteers.
“My wife and I have been sitting alone on our home since the power went out,” said Mati. “We were getting lonely, so it was great to see a friendly face.”
Checking in with the community provide a sense of comfort to individuals and households experiencing a disaster or emergency in their community. A friendly face that can offer reassurance, comfort, and ensure support is available can really make a difference during an emergency or disaster.
“We give them a sense of security that we are here to help and find out what exactly their needs are and how the Red Cross can help, " says Lisa Whebell, a long-time Canadian Red Cross volunteer. “That is why I volunteer with the Red Cross.”
“Many were just happy to have someone to talk to and to know they were not alone,” said Janet Joy, a Canadian Red Cross volunteer.
Canadian Red Cross Support Georgina Island First Nation
Credit: Karrie Lepoudre / Canadian Red Cross
At the request of Georgina Island First Nation and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Red Cross provided support for community members to shelter in place through the ice storms and power outages. This support included providing meals, emergency supplies like cots, pillows and blankets to open a community-led warming shelter, and personal hygiene items.
The Canadian Red Cross continues to partner with Indigenous leadership, the Government of Ontario, municipalities, Indigenous Services Canada, and many other partners to provide support to communities impacted by disasters and emergencies in Ontario.
Thank you to all our Emergency Management and Disaster volunteers and partners who supported the 2025 ice storm response in Ontario, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all community members.
