Humanitarian Relief – Ecuador Earthquake

The Archdiocese of Toronto is accepting financial contributions for humanitarian relief following the disastrous effects of a serious earthquake on April 16 in Ecuador.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks have devastated huge areas of Ecuador, with nearly 600 people reported dead, another 5,700 injured and 24,000 families left homeless. Contributions can be made through our parishes and through the Archdiocese of Toronto online portal at www.archtoronto.org.

Relief workers from the official Catholic relief agency, Caritas Internationalis, are on the ground and assessing the need for assistance. Caritas teams are preparing to deliver tarps, hygiene and cooking kits. There is also a need for tents and inflatable boats because roads to some of the affected areas are impassable. In the coming weeks and months, Caritas will assess longer-term shelter needs. The situation is very difficult in the affected regions, as poverty had already left people living in precarious conditions.

Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:

• Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org

• By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411