There's a remarkable community effort underway to help people in Angus.
That help started right away, with neighbours offering shelter and showing up with food right after the tornado struck .
As the township works to coordinate all the offers of help from large businesses to individuals, people in Essa Township are still just reaching out and helping any way they can.
Susan Dandurand and her friends were handing out water and snacks to people in the Angus neighbourhood that hit by the tornado today.
“When tragedy like this happens that's how you deal with it, and cope with it,” she says. “You need to help.”
Dandurand says she understands some people need a lot more than others – and Essa Township is offering food and clothing to those who need; residents just have to go to the Angus Recreation Centre or the local food bank or call 211.
Dandurand has told the township she's helping collect supplies too, and that people can drop off or pick up what they need at her home at 84 Quigley Street.
“They can get toiletries, food, we have clothes, toys for children,” she says.
Many of the supplies have come as a result of Dandurand creating the Angus Relief Facebook page, which received hundreds of hits just hours after being created.
Heather Pierpoint owns Barrie gown shop The Gown Gallery and is working with Dandurand and the relief group to bring donations to those who need them.
“We received a stroller and a baby seat today,” she says. “We believe there was 10 truck or car loads taken out yesterday, so a lot.”
Other businesses are offering their help too: Top Dog K9 Services has offered to look after any domestic pet for free for any of those affected by the tornado.
“We'd like to be here to help and take that worry off the pet owners,” says Craig Cassidy.
Back in the area of Stonemount and Banting Crescents, the debris continues to pile up. It’s there that Dandurand’s nine-year-old son is helping his mom get supplies ready for people to pick up.
“I know how it feels to be upset,” says Matthew Dandurand.
Once again if you’re in need of help in the form of clothing food or medicines, the Angus Rec Centre and food bank can help, or you can call 211.