Archdiocese of Toronto to collect donations for relief aid to Nepal, Colombia

The Archdiocese of Toronto is now accepting donations that will support vast humanitarian relief efforts following last month’s earthquake in Colombia and subsequent mudslides and flooding in Nepal. Both disasters have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. 

On August 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre near the municipality of San José del Palmar. Widespread destruction across several regions of the country followed, with more than 330 people having died, thousands having been injured and hundreds of thousands of people having been affected. Homes, schools, health facilities and other essential infrastructure have also sustained significant damage.

Later that month, on August 26, Nepal saw catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides strike several areas after a massive glacial and rock collapse near the Nepal-China border. Communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems have been devastated, with homes, roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure having been destroyed. Currently, more than 900 people have died, and thousands remain missing as search, rescue and relief efforts continue.

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Those wishing to help are now able to donate online through www.archtoronto.org, by phone through the Donations Processing Centre at 437-529-1287, or through their local parish. The Archdiocese of Toronto will channel donated funds through trusted Catholic partners assisting those most affected.

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“Please pray for those who have died, those who are grieving or displaced, and all those providing emergency assistance and support,” the communications news release read.