Canadian Disaster Relief

Help Canadians recover after devastating disasters, such as floods, wildfires, and more. We’re looking for volunteers with a heart to serve others in Jesus’ Name.

“I can’t even explain the peace doing this has brought to my life.
I feel like I am at the center of God’s will.”

~ Tracey Gillies, a regular volunteer with Canadian Disaster Relief

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Past Responses

Samaritan’s Purse responds to humanitarian crises with physical aid and a message of spiritual hope. In Canada, our Disaster Relief Units, several tractor trailers outfitted with generators, pumps, hand tools, and safety gear, equip staff and volunteers to share God’s love in a tangible way with Canadians in need.

Is volunteering with Canadian Disaster Relief right for you?

Do you find yourself wanting to take action when disasters happen but don’t know where to start? Would you be willing to volunteer for a day to assist a family in need? Do you have the desire to walk alongside families by offering physical assistance and emotional and spiritual encouragement to those in need?

share your story

Share Your Story

Quick tips for posting your Samaritan’s Purse volunteer experience on social media.

Frequently asked questions about Canadian Disaster Relief

What kind of work will I be doing as a Samaritan’s Purse Canadian Disaster Relief volunteer?

Volunteers assist uninsured or under-insured homeowners with tasks such as possession recovery, mud-outs (after flooding), ash sifting (after fires), debris removal, roof tarping, and more. Read this article about a day in the life of a Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteer.

Chaplains from our sister organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, serve alongside Samaritan’s Purse, offering emotional and spiritual support to homeowners and volunteers.

Do I need experience or special skills to volunteer?

No, anyone can volunteer! We provide all the training that you need, then pair you with trained and experienced leaders to facilitate your volunteer experience.

Is there a minimum amount of time I need to commit to volunteer?

While we encourage people to participate for at least one full-day to have the opportunity to get to know home-owners and fellow volunteers, anywhere from a half-day to up to a week or two can be a great opportunity.

If I’m traveling from out of town, will you provide overnight accommodation for me?

Yes, we will provide dorm-style accommodations at the host Lighthouse Host Church base for volunteers who have registered online. You may need to bring a pillow, sleeping bag and air mattress or cot (if desired). Everything you need to bring will be outlined in an orientation packet you’ll receive before you depart.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

No, Samaritan’s Purse will provide all the tools you need. If you have tools you’d like to bring, please inquire beforehand.

Do I need safety gear?

We provide personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, safety glasses, etc. You will need to bring your own sturdy, closed-toed footwear.

Can I bring my children with me?

For safety reasons, we recommend that volunteers are over the age of 18. Youth 14-17 require prior permission from us, and must work with a parent or legal guardian.

What expenses should I plan for?

You are responsible for your own transportation to the disaster response location, and any incidentals during your stay. We take care of the accommodation, food and safety gear for you as you serve.

Does Samaritan’s Purse charge residents for work done in response to a disaster?

No. Because of volunteers and donors like you, Samaritan’s Purse can provide services at no cost to the homeowner, assisting them in their ongoing recovery.

Become a Lighthouse Church

Samaritan’s Purse partners with churches across Canada, working together to share the love of Jesus Christ with people facing grief and uncertainty in disaster-affected communities. Share Christ’s love, and become one of our Lighthouse Church partners.

A day in the life of a Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief volunteer

A dispatch from the front lines of our wildfire response in British Columbia

How You Can Be Prepared for an Emergency

Learn some simple tips to help you and your family be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Billy Graham Rapid Response Team Chaplains

Providing emotional and spiritual support

Chaplains from our sister organization, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, serve alongside Samaritan's Purse, offering emotional and spiritual support to homeowners and volunteers.

Sign up to receive volunteer alerts when we respond to future disasters

Stories about our Canadian Disaster Responses

After a month-long deployment following wildfires in Shuswap, British Columbia,... Read More

A second Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief Unit has gone to help British Columbia... Read More

Samaritan’s Purse volunteers rescue cherished possessions amid British Columbia... Read More

“What Samaritan’s Purse brought to our disaster was not only the ability to provide the manpower to work and fix people’s homes, but the emotional support that the organization gives to the community.”

~ Jody Price, Fire Chief, Oromocto Fire Department, New Brunswick

Other ways you can get involved