Moving forward – 211 is in constant contact with County officials. You can visit the 211 Goderich resource database here or call 2-1-1 (toll-free: 1-866-743-7818 or TTY: 1-888-435-6086) for current information about recovery efforts in Goderich. 211 is available 7 days a week/24 hours a day and can refer you to the right community resources.

Update (Aug 28) – Pam Hillier, Executive Director of 211 Central East Region reports that over 1875 calls have been made to 211 and 705 people have registered to help with the recovery efforts.

Update (Aug 26) – Important information for TD customers impacted by Goderich tornado

Update (Aug 25: 2pm) – Photos of the devastation in Goderich are posted online by the Waterloo Region Record.

Update (Aug 25: 12:30pm) – Donations to the Goderich Disaster Relief Fund can now be made at ANY bank or Credit Union.  Cheques made out to the Goderich Disaster Relief Fund can also be mailed to the Goderich Town Hall.

The 211 phone line has been ringing off the hook over the past few days, after the town of Goderich experienced a devastating tornado on Sunday, August 21st.  211 Central East Region has already answered approximately 2000 calls oand has been inputting all offers and needs into their volunteer and services database. Many people are calling 211 to offer help. The Ontario 211 team has been managing the social media efforts and response, along with Francesca Dobbyn, the Executive Director at the United Way of Bruce Grey. The outpouring of support via social networks such as Facebook has been overwhelming.

211 Central East Information & Referral specialist taking calls

Once we receive more news about the efforts on the ground and the current needs of the community, we will update you. For now, here is how you can help:

211 is Coordinating Offers of Assistance for Goderich from across Ontario

211 is receiving phone calls from people asking to assist those affected by the tornado that stormed through Goderich, Ontario on Sunday, August 21.

There are two ways to help: donate or volunteer time/resources.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE GOODS OR VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME – CONTACT 211

211, the information helpline, is coordinating efforts at the town of Goderich’s and Huron County’s request.  This can save items not needed from going to the landfill and will ensure officials can triage the community’s needs, as appropriate.

People who want to volunteer their help or donate goods are being asked to contact 211 at the phone numbers below. 211 is gathering details of the community’s needs and is feeding these requests to officials in real time.

• For persons in Huron County who are interested in volunteering in the effort to help, please dial 2-1-1.
• For people outside of the county, please contact 1-866-743-7818.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE MONEY

United Way of Perth-Huron
To assist in receiving donations, United Way of Kitchener Waterloo & Area, with sponsorship from Libro Financial in Kitchener-Waterloo, has generously offered to support efforts with text donation capabilities. Text donations can be made in support of the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund from August 23 to August 31. To make a $5.00 donation, please text “UCARE” to 45678. 100% of all donations made to the Goderich Tornado Relief Fund will support the community of Goderich.

Ways to donate include:
By Phone: 1-877-818-8867 (toll-free) or 519-271-7730 (T) 519-273-9350 (F)  1-888-435-6086 (TTY)
Online: http://www.unitedwayperthhuron.ca
Mobile: Text “UCARE” to 45678
In person: The United Centre, 32 Erie St., Stratford, ON
Email: campaign@unitedwayperthhuron.ca

Red Cross and Salvation Army
In lieu of food donations, the Red Cross and Salvation Army request that consideration be given to a financial donation to the Salvation Army Disaster Food Program (1.800.725.2769). This Program is used to feed community members and responders affected by the Tornado and subsequent clean-up operations. 
A separate fund will be announced shortly to assist in rebuilding efforts for the Town of Goderich. 
Please hold any donation items (non-food) until the needs of the community are fully understood.

Municipal Donations (Direct to Town of Goderich)
To donate directly to the Municipal relief fund, please make cheques payable to “Goderich Disaster Relief Fund”. Cheques will be accepted by Victim’s Services at the Knights of Columbus Centre at 390 Parsons Court, Goderich, ON N7A 4K3.