Volunteer military veterans, first responders, and dedicated civilians are arriving in Peterborough to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities by cleaning up downed trees and green waste on their property as a result of the May 21 derecho wind storm.
Team Rubicon Canada, a volunteer-based charitable organization that sends skilled disaster response teams into areas requiring assistance, is deploying teams to Peterborough, Uxbridge, and the Ottawa area for the next few weeks.
In Peterborough, the organization is making the services of its volunteers — known as “greyshirts” — available to residents who own and occupy their property and currently receive the City of Peterborough Property Tax Assistance Program, which is available to low-income seniors and low-income people with disabilities.
“Even with the extraordinary support our community has provided one another, there are still residents who are struggling to deal with downed trees and property damage,” said mayor Diane Therrien in a media release. “This dedicated group of trained volunteers will thankfully be able to assist our residents who might not be able to afford to hire help.”
Eligible residents who would like assistance from Team Rubicon Canada can complete a request form online at arcg.is/iSqOX or dial 211 — a 24/7 helpline that assists residents access community, social and government services — to request service by phone.
“The city is grateful for the support that Team Rubicon will offer residents, and grateful to 211 Ontario for their support,” Therrien said.
VIDEO: Team Rubicon Canada
Teams with Team Rubicon Canada will only clean up trees and tree limbs that are already on the ground. Where possible, they will chainsaw fallen trees, branches, and brush into sizes that comply with the city’s green waste collection program, and will move the debris to the curb for pick up. They will not transport green waste from properties.
For material that exceeds the size or weight for green waste collection, the city may conduct a special collection of this material at a later date when resources are available.
Each Team Rubicon Canada team will make arrangements with the property owner to undertake any work on site before work begins. Team Rubicon Canada operates independently from the City of Peterborough.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be working with the City of Peterborough during this challenging time for the community,” said Dave McAllister, director of programs and operations for Team Rubicon Canada.
“Our teams are on the ground and ready to put their disaster response skills to work to support the residents of Peterborough and help accelerate their recovery in the wake of this disaster.”
Team Rubicon was formed in the United States in 2010 after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Team Rubicon Canada was formed in 2016 after the Fort McMurray, Alberta wildfires. For more information and to volunteer, visit team-rubicon.ca.
