While many people are talking about Hurricane Irma's impact on Florida, MCC is helping those suffering from natural disasters around the world.

"We've got program presence in Haiti, particularly in the Artibonite [Valley], which is a remote location," said Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba Executive Director Darryl Loewen. "MCC is the only non-governmental organization working there."

We were unable to contact the team on the ground in Haiti, which gives an indication as to the current situation there. Loewen says the team has seen devastating flash flooding and damage to property and crops.

"With the water comes an increased risk of waterborne disease," Loewen adds.

But Loewen says that isn't the only place that MCC has a disaster relief presence. They are on location helping refugees in Kasai, South Sudan, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine, providing emergency food and basic needs. They are also dealing with flooding in Peru, as well as the severe flooding in South Asia caused by weeks of monsoon rains.

"We're working with local organizations who know people and culture and climate and programs really well," said Loewen. "[We're] delivering emergency food, clean water, bedding for displaced people [and] hygiene supplies."

Partnering with those local organizations is an important part of MCC's relief work, Loewen explains. These partners know the area better than volunteers who are coming in.

While disaster has also struck North America, with two large hurricanes devastating the south and wildfires burning across the western part of the country, as well as here in northern Manitoba, Loewen says that MCC remains focused on international work. Mennonite Disaster Service, a sister organization, works inside North America.

"[International relief] is the nature of the mandate of MCC," Loewen said. "It was founded in 1920 in specific response to international crisis and it's remained focused outside of North America for all of it's international work."

See what disasters MCC is responding to online and make your donation to a specific relief effort to support their work internationally.