(Wednesday, April 8, 2009 - PETERBOROUGH, ON)  Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough is speaking out and calling for community support on behalf of the earthquake ravaged communities in Italy.

On Monday, April 6th, a 6.3-magnitude pre-dawn earthquake ravaged the area in and around the region of L'Aquila in Italy.  The Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has stated that the death toll from the powerful earthquake has risen to 260 and that 17,700 people have been left homeless and are finding shelter in tent camps set up by the local authorities.  Another 10,000 people are being housed in hotels along the coast, bringing the overall number of homeless to almost 28,000.

"My father's family immigrated many years ago from the Foggia region in Southern Italy.  In this critical time, I call on all Canadians - both those with connections to Italy and those without to lend their support in honour of the long standing friendship that has existed between the two great nations of Canada and Italy." stated MP Del Mastro.  "I encourage the constituents of the Peterborough Riding to learn about what is happening in Italy and to donate what they can.  Many residents in our communities have family and friends in the affected region and they are looking for our support."

Locally, the Peterborough and District Italian Club has set up the "Italian Earthquake Trust Fund".  Donations are gratefully being accepted at any location of TD Canada Trust and can be directed towards account # 6312153 - Branch # 606.

"We are reaching out to all members of our Canadian community with a call for help." stated Aldo Andreoli (President) and Fabrizio Caravaggio (Vice-President) of the Peterborough and District Italian Club. "Many of our members have a tie to the affected region.  We have family and friends that need our help and support." stated Andreoli.  "Peterborough has proven itself to be a caring and giving City and we want to show the victims in Italy that our small community cares for them and will support them in re-claiming their lives." stated Caravaggio.

"My family have been proud members of the local Peterborough and District Italian Club for many years and we are proud to support their efforts," stated MP Del Mastro.  "Clearly these efforts demonstrate that the plight of those that have been affected by this tragedy matters to our caring community."

The Government of Canada is also advising Canadians wishing to help to visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada webpage under "How Canadians Can Help" at www.international.gc.ca.