Volunteers and social services staff are checking in on Peterborough’s most vulnerable residents as the city continues to recover from the devastating ice storm that struck last weekend.
The City of Peterborough’s Social Services division, in partnership with the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, is prioritizing seniors, residents with disabilities, and other at-risk individuals. OSARVA members are conducting door-to-door wellness checks and delivering food hampers to those in need.
“In times like these, the strength of our community shines through,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Volunteers from the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, City staff, and organizations like Kawartha Food Share have stepped up to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are safe, fed, and supported.”
Food hampers, coordinated by Kawartha Food Share and Feed Ontario, will see approximately 500 boxes distributed in the coming days. OSARVA members have also been assisting at warming centres and on warming buses, working alongside City staff to provide support around the clock.
Social Services staff are stationed at the Healthy Planet Arena, offering referrals for those in need of warmth, food, or a place to charge their devices. They have also been helping to entertain young children at the warming centres as families wait for power to be restored.
With outages ongoing, the City is urging residents to check on neighbours and loved ones, reinforcing the community’s spirit of care and support during the storm recovery.
