Volunteers needed for clean-up in Nova Scotia after Hurricane Fiona 

Volunteers are needed immediately to assist with clean-up efforts near Sydney, Nova Scotia after Hurricane Fiona.

“The needs are great,” said Ross Penner, Director of Canadian Operations for Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada. “So many trees were brought down by the hurricane and many people lost all or portions of their roofs.”

There is a particular need for experienced chainsaw operators since crews will be working with trees of up to a metre or more in diameter.

“This size of trees requires people with skills at safely cutting them into smaller pieces,” Penner said, adding volunteers are needed to move the cut-up trees into piles to be taken away.

In addition to tree removal, roofing crews are also needed. “We have roofs that need to be repaired or replaced to prevent more water damage and the resulting problems,” Penner said.

MDS Canada is looking for several crews of three or four people who can serve for a week or more, he added.

Volunteers are needed immediately. Accommodations and meals will be provided at a local Anglican church camp in the area. Travel reimbursements are available.

Depending on the weather and size and scope of the work, MDS could be serving in the area through to the end of November.

The clean-up and repair work is being organized by the MDS Atlantic Canada Unit, with assistance from the MDS Ontario Unit and MDS Canada.

People who are interested in volunteering can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org or by calling 866-261-1274.

John Longhurst, MDS Canada Communications

See also:

Volunteers begin clean-up in Nova Scotia

MDS Canada accepting donations for Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada