Day 7: Where to get help, offer assistance after tornadoes

One week after several tornadoes tore through eastern Ontario and western Quebec, many in the region are struggling to rebuild their lives. Whether you're among them or want to help them, here's what you need to know.

In Gatineau, people can donate money and items to a number of locations across the city.

Moisson Outaouais is accepting non-perishable food and personal hygiene products at 37 rue Bombardier. Clothing can be dropped off at Société Saint-Vincent de Paul at several of its locations (56 rue Principale,109 rue Wright, 102, rue Eddy, 751 boulevard Saint-Joseph, 1291 rue Saint-Louis, 165 avenue Gatineau and 438 avenue Buckingham). 

The Red Cross is also accepting monetary donations.

A victims' centre has also been set up at Centre Pere Arthur Guertin at 16 rue Bériault. 

The City of Ottawa still has a number of community support centres open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., where people can get help and information about next steps.

Those centres are at the Nepean Sportsplex, the Greenboro Community Centre and West Carleton Secondary School. Counselling services are also being offered at some locations.

Information sessions for victims

The City of Ottawa is holding information sessions for residents affected by the tornadoes. People in the Greenboro area can attend a session Friday in Studios A and B at the Greenboro Community Centre, 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr., from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Another two sessions will take place Saturday.

For residents of Knoxdale-Merivale ward, an information session will be held in the main auditorium of  Woodvale Pentecostal Church, 205 Greenbank Rd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. People in West Carleton-March can attend a session on Saturday at West Carleton Secondary School , 3088 Dunrobin Rd., from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Any volunteers who want to help with recovery efforts are asked to register at West Carleton Secondary School. 

Businesses still suffering

The Heart and Soul Cafe in Dunrobin had been hoping to reopen on Monday but the owners were told by their insurance company there's too much debris around the property. They now hope to open Wednesday. While it remains closed, the business is helping those who helped in the aftermath of last Friday's storm by handing out coffee and treats to volunteers and first responders.

Dunrobin Meat and Grocery was severely damaged by the tornado. The business won't reopen or relocate anytime soon, said co-owner Michael Fines.

The Canada Post office in Dunrobin has been relocated to Arnprior (90 Madawaska Boul.) for the time being.

Dunrobin Family Chiropractic has relocated down the road to 3162 Dunrobin Rd., and should reopen on Monday.