The Akran Foundation, the charitable arm of Akran Marketing (asi/522788) in Ottawa, has announced that it will donate $25,000 to immediate relief efforts in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes that affected Ottawa and Gatineau, QC, last week. 

On Friday September 21, twin EF2 category tornadoes with 220 Km/h (136 mph) winds inflicted heavy damage to densely populated areas of Ottawa and Gatineau. An estimated 25 people were injured, hundreds of buildings were heavily damaged or destroyed and tens of thousands remain without power. 

As the tornadoes hit, residents took to social media to share their experiences:

OMG !!! Inside the #Tornado #Gatineau #Tornade #QC pic.twitter.com/4t4MiqfRXh

— Mandeville1694 (@2Mandeville1694) September 22, 2018

Small explosions or ground strikes in the churn. Gatineau #Tornado pic.twitter.com/IgH2Tt5lE7

— Mark Richardson (@slavetothehat) September 21, 2018

“Our thoughts are with all our neighbours who are dealing with the unprecedented impact of this disaster,” said Raman Agarwal, president and CEO of Akran Marketing, in a statement. “We know from decades of partnership with local charities how contributions can quickly bring recovery and relief to those residents hardest hit by this devastating storm.” 

Through the Akran Foundation, Akran Marketing will also match qualifying employee contributions. Employees are encouraged to participate in volunteer programs, gift matching programs and the Akran Employees Community Fund. The Foundation has also established a GoFundMe campaign for additional donations.

I'm raising money for Ottawa Tornado Disaster Recovery. Click to Donate: https://t.co/62DJyXiEXH via @gofundme

— Akran Marketing (@AkranMarketing) September 23, 2018