The Ottawa Senators have stepped up to lend a financial hand for those that were affected by a tornado that devastated the city on Friday night.

Under the Senators Foundation, the team announced that they’ve set up a relief page on GoFundMe and are asking their fans to donate. The team will be matching the first $25,000 donated, with the current goal aimed at raising $25,000.

From the GoFundMe page:

“On September 21, 2018, several communities in the Ottawa-Gatineau region - Dunrobin, Riverside South/Hunt-Club and Gatineau in particular - were devastated by a tornado. This is our home, and being part of a community means coming together in times of need. The Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and their fans aim to raise funds to assist communities and families here at home. We have been in touch with officials at the City of Ottawa and Gatineau. With their first responders and utilities meeting the most pressing needs of those affected by the tornado, they indicated the best way to help was by providing financial support to the rebuilding effort.”

The extent of the financial damage is still unknown at this time, hence why the team says it will change the target goal and overall commitment once more information is released.

According to the Ottawa Hospital’s Twitter account, five people are currently in the hospital from injuries suffered from the storm, with two people in critical condition and one person classified in serious condition. Over 200 power outages were reported in and around the city, with 147,000 to 150,000 people without power, as of early Saturday morning, per CTV News.

 

The Ottawa 67's closed off a portion of their arena to allow residents to attend their Sunday afternoon tilt against the Peterborough Petes at no cost. 

The Sens host the Habs from the Canadian Tire Centre in pre-season action on Saturday night. Viewers in the Sens region can watch the game live on TSN5 starting at 7:00pm ET.

As of 7:20 pm ET on Saturday night, just over $17,500 had been raised with 121 donations.

If you’d like to donate, you can click this link.

(h/t Ottawa Senators)