Ice Storm Updates and Impact - The Nourish and Develop Foundation

Ice Storm 2025: Updates and Impact

Responsiveness is one of our core values at TNDF—and during April's ice storm, we lived it fully.

On Sunday, March 30, our Township declared a state of emergency, and by 9 AM the next morning (Monday, March 31), we had our emergency warming centre up and running.

From Monday, March 31 to Sunday, April 6, we remained open seven days straight, keeping both our warming centre and food bank operating to support community members through the storm.

Here’s what that looked like:

From Monday, March 31 to Sunday, April 6, we remained open seven days straight, keeping both our warming centre and food bank operating to support community members through the storm.

Here’s what that looked like:

guests accessed our emergency warming centre

hot meals were served, offering comfort and nourishment

food bank appointments were facilitated at Nourish House Food Bank

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Ice Storm Update #1: TNDF Program Changes & Available Support 🌨️

March 30, 2025

A state of emergency has been declared due to the ongoing ice storm. Many in our community are facing extended power outages, leaving them without heat, connectivity, or key essentials—and we’re here to support.

TNDF is fortunate to have a generator, and we’ll be open tomorrow as per usual from 9 AM – 4 PM at The Hub (16 York Street, Cannington) with a small but mighty skeleton crew.

If you need to warm up, charge your phone, use the washroom, grab something to eat or drink, or simply connect with others—you’re welcome to come by. We’ll have hot coffee and tea on throughout the day.

Here’s what else you need to know:
– Food bank appointments will go ahead as scheduled this week – no cancellations.
– Wednesday’s Community Lunch is cancelled.
– Tuesday’s Mobile Food Market stop at The Hub is cancelled.

While we’re fortunate to have a generator and a few staff able to make it in, we’re being mindful with our resources—managing power and staffing carefully to ensure we can stay open and supportive if the outage continues for several days.

Important: As of the time we’re posting this, our landlines are down, our staff don’t have cell service or Wi-Fi, and we can’t check messages. The only guaranteed way to reach us right now is to come by the Hub in person during open hours (9 AM – 4 PM).

We’re sending warmth, care, and community strength to everyone navigating this storm. We’ll see you in the morning.

Ice Storm Update #2: TNDF Program Changes & Available Support 🌨️

March 31, 2025

Today, we welcomed 36 community members to The Hub to warm up, charge their phones, eat, and connect with one another. It was lovely to see familiar faces and offer some comfort during this tough time. ❤️

We’ll be open again tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9 AM – 4 PM at The Hub – 16 York Street, Cannington. Come by if you need to warm up, grab a hot meal and a hot drink, use the washroom, charge your devices, or simply take a break.

Due to ongoing power outages and limited staffing, all regular programs and services except for our food bank are cancelled this week. We’re focusing our limited available resources on:

The warming centre
Food bank appointments

📵 At the time of posting this, we still don’t have Wi-Fi, landlines, or cell service, and we’re unable to respond to comments or messages. The only reliable way to reach us is in person at The Hub during open hours.

Please help us spread the word, especially to those who may not have access to phones or the internet right now.

Stay safe and warm—we’re in this together.

Ice Storm Update #3: Power Restored at TNDF, Support Continues 🌟

March 31, 2025

We’re relieved to share that our power has been restored, and our Wi-Fi and landlines are back up and running.

While many in our community now have power again, we know that others are still without electricity, heat, or reliable ways to connect. We see you, and we’re here to help.

We remain focused on providing essential support through:

Our emergency warming centre
Food bank appointments (running as scheduled)

All other regular programs and services are cancelled for the rest of the week, as we prioritize our limited resources where they’re needed most.

The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM at 16 York Street, Cannington.

Our warming centre now officially includes Wi-Fi access, in addition to what we’ve been offering:

Hot prepared meals
Hot coffee and tea
Water and snacks
Washrooms
A place to charge your devices
A place to warm up
A place to connect with others

Now that we’re reconnected, you can reach us during our open hours by:

Phone: 705-432-2444
Email: info@tndf.ca

Please continue to help spread the word, especially to those who may still be without phone or internet access.

Stay safe and warm—we’re here with you.

Ice Storm Update #4: What We're Hearing from the Front Lines 📢

April 1, 2025

We’ve been speaking with community members navigating the aftermath of the ice storm, and here’s what we’re hearing:

Many have lost the contents of their fridges and freezers—hundreds of dollars worth of food gone. For those already stretched thin, this loss hits hard.

People are hungry. After days of snacks and shelf-stable food, folks are looking for something hot, fresh, and nourishing.

They’re cold. Many are still without heat, coming in chilled and tired, looking for a warm place to land.

People are stressed, tired, anxious, and lonely—feeling the emotional weight of days without power, connection, or routine.

Here’s how we’re responding at TNDF:

Serving hot meals, drinks, and snacks
Providing a warm, welcoming space to rest, recharge, and connect with others
Keeping food bank appointments running
Offering Wi-Fi, charging stations, and washrooms

Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM at 16 York Street, Cannington—no matter what. Even if the weather turns or power goes out again, we’ll be here.

Here’s how you can help:

Make a donation – every dollar helps us stretch our food purchasing, keep our generator full of diesel, and meet growing needs. Here’s info on where and how you can donate: tndf.ca/donate
Spread the word about available support
Check on neighbours—share food, warmth, and connection

We’re grateful for this community. Together, we’ll get through this—one warm meal, one conversation, one act of care at a time.

More info on community services:

https://www.townshipofbrock.ca/…/march-31-update…

Ice Storm Update #5: Some Good News 💛

April 2, 2025

As the community continues to recover from the storm, we’re still hearing stories of struggle—but also so many moments of kindness, relief, and compassion. We want to share a bit of both.

First, a reminder of where things stand at TNDF:

We’re open Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM at 16 York Street, Cannington

Our Emergency Warming Centre is still running—complete with:

Hot meals, snacks, and drinks
Washrooms
Wi-Fi
Charging stations
A warm, welcoming place to rest and connect

Food bank appointments are running as scheduled.

All other regular programs and services remain cancelled this week as we continue focusing our limited resources on immediate needs.

So far this week, we’ve had 87 guests stop by for support—and we’re so glad they did. Whether it’s for a hot meal, a place to warm up, or just a friendly face, we’re here.

And now, some good news. Even in the midst of challenge, we’ve been lifted by incredible acts of generosity.

Canter Coffee donated to-go cups so guests can take a hot drink with them

Mac’s provided milk and creamer

Lake Simcoe Coffee Company dropped off butter tarts

Phoenix Poultry Farm donated 720 eggs—which helped us serve hot scrambled eggs this morning!

As hard as this week has been, we’re also seeing what community really means: care, compassion, and connection. Thank you to everyone who’s been checking in, sharing resources, and spreading the word. You’re making a real difference.

Ice Storm Update #6: Relief in the Form of Partnership 🤝

April 2, 2025

As of today, 124 community members have come through our doors this week so far. We’ve served 106 hot meals—scrambled eggs, lasagna, stew, mac & cheese, chicken bowls—made with love, and made possible thanks to donations from our incredible community.

We’ll be open again tomorrow and Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM at 16 York Street in Cannington, no matter the weather, no matter the power. The lights are on, the food is hot, and our team is here.

We’re especially grateful today to the Region and the Township, who both stopped by to offer their support. Tomorrow, the Region will be sending staff to help lighten the load on our small but mighty TNDF crew.

We’re also thrilled to be receiving a food delivery from Feed the Need Durham which will help us keep up with demand and replenish our stock for both the community kitchen and the food bank.

We are so incredibly grateful to our partners for stepping up in this moment.

Ice Storm Update #7: Regional Support in Action 🫂

April 3, 2025

We’re incredibly grateful to be partnering with the Region of Durham’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) team, who are now on-site at The Cannington Hub (16 York Street), offering vital support to those impacted by the ice storm.

Today and tomorrow, from 9 AM to 4 PM, ESS staff are joining forces with TNDF to help ensure our community members can access more than just what we have to offer. They’re bringing critical social services directly to those who need them, right here in Cannington.

Here’s what the ESS team is offering:

Information and support related to Ontario Works (OW)
Mental health and crisis supports
Assistance for seniors
Help navigating general social services and resources

This support is available on-site at TNDF’s warming centre, alongside our ongoing services, which include:

Hot meals, snacks, and drinks
Washrooms
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Food bank appointments
A place to warm up, rest, and connect

We’re open Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM, and we will be here no matter what—rain, ice, or power outage.

We are so thankful to the Region for stepping up in this time of need, and for helping us meet not just immediate needs, but the deeper, ongoing ones too.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support—please come by.

Ice Storm Update #8: Weekend Hours & Continued Support 🕯️

April 4, 2025

HydroOne has shared that some of our neighbours may have power back by 11 PM tonight, others by Sunday at 11 PM, and many still don’t have an estimated time of restoration. We’ve also seen these timelines change more than once.

Because of that, TNDF will remain open this weekend to continue offering support.

We’ll be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM at The Hub (16 York Street, Cannington).

We’ll continue to provide:

Hot meals, drinks, and snacks
Washrooms
Wi-Fi and charging stations
A warm place to rest
Emergency food supplies

The Region of Durham will also be on-site, with Emergency Social Services (ESS) staff offering:

Support with Ontario Works (OW)
Mental health and crisis resources
Help for seniors
Navigation for general social services

So far this week, we’ve had 167 people visit and have served 183 hot meals.

If you still don’t have power, need a meal, or just need a place to go—you’re welcome to stop by.

Ice Storm Update #9: Grateful for Our Team + Monday Shutdown 💛

April 5, 2025

To date, we’ve welcomed 211 guests into the Hub and served 215 hot meals this week.

Things have started to slow down over the past two days, and we’re encouraged by the reports of power returning for many. But for those still without, we’ll be open again tomorrow (Sunday) from 9 AM – 4 PM at The Hub (16 York Street, Cannington) with our emergency warming centre and food bank running.

Today, we want to take a moment to recognize our incredible team.

Since Monday, TNDF staff have been working tirelessly—operating both the food bank and emergency warming centre, offering meals, connection, and care. Most of our team members were without power themselves, and some still are. Even with their own challenges, they showed up with heart, grit, and deep care for the community.

A special shout-out goes to Kat, Karley, and Jess, who held things down on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—our busiest days. They carried the weight of it all with such grace and compassion.

We’ve been rotating shifts throughout the week to make sure our team had time to rest. But after such an intense stretch, we’re giving everyone a full day off. TNDF will be closed on Monday so our staff can recharge and take care of their families, homes, and personal recovery.

If you need food on Monday, we’ve partnered with the Township of Brock to help cover the gap.

They’ll have emergency food bags available at the Township Office (1 Cameron St E, Cannington). Just drop by and let them know you’re in need—they’ll get a bag to you.

Inside the bags, you’ll find information on TNDF’s food supports, including how to get in touch if you need more help than the emergency bag can offer.

We’ll be back to full staffing and regularly scheduled programming on Tuesday.

Thank you again for your understanding, your kindness, and your continued support. And thank you to our team—we’re so proud of all you’ve done this week.

Ice Storm Update #10: Wrapping Up the Week 💛

April 6, 2025

As we close out this series of daily updates, we want to take a moment to share where things stand—and what’s next.

Since opening our emergency warming centre on Monday, March 31, we’ve welcomed 216 guests and served 211 hot meals. For seven days straight, we ran both our food bank and emergency supports to help our community stay safe, fed, and connected during a difficult time.

This will be our final post in the ice storm update series—but not the last you’ll hear from us. We’ll continue sharing stories, highlights, and gratitude over the coming days as we reflect on what we’ve accomplished together.

Tomorrow (Monday), TNDF will be closed for the day to give our team a much-needed chance to rest and recover. While we’re closed, emergency food bags and cases of water will be available at the Township office (1 Cameron St E, Cannington) for anyone still in need.

We’ll be back on Tuesday with our regular programming, including:

Food bank appointments (shopping + porch pickups)
Community Lunch on Wednesday, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM (meals available by donation)
Mobile Food Market stops throughout the week
Social Service Hub supports

Thank you for being with us throughout this week. We’ll share more in the days ahead—but for now, we’re signing off from daily storm updates with full hearts and deep appreciation.

We’re incredibly proud of what we were able to offer—and grateful we could step up when it mattered. But we also want to be honest: these emergency services came with unexpected costs.

Some of the unplanned expenses included:

Diesel to keep our generator going
Hundreds of hours in staff time
A large quantity of food
Grocery gift cards for those who lost everything in their fridges and freezers
Countless water jug refills

If you’re in a position to help us recover and continue doing this important work, financial donations are especially appreciated right now. They allow us to respond to urgent needs and support our ongoing food access programs and community services.

To everyone who helped make this response possible—thank you. Your care helped carry us through a challenging week.