Syrian refugee aid can be donated by calling 211 phone line in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia government has announcedpeople can offer aid to refugees arrivingfrom Syria by calling the 211 phone line.

This new refugee assistanceservice is in addition to work 211 already does to connect people with differentcommunity and social services.

The line will nowallow people to call 211 and their offers of aid will be catalogued. Operators on the line will take people's contact information so their donations can be collected.

The province is accepting any kind of aid for refugees,including clothing, food, lodging or financial donations.

In a news release the province says the 211 database will help ensure that supports are in place when refugees arrive in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia's Immigration Minister Lena Diab announced the new serviceat a news briefing at Province House on Tuesday.

The Nova Scotia government is starting daily briefings on efforts to bring Syrian refugees to Canada.

In a news release, the province said it has been working closely with community groups and other government agencies to prepare for the arrival of refugees.

Calls to 211 are toll-free from any phone in Nova Scotia.

Ottawa has committed to bringing 25,000 Syrians to Canada by the end of December.

The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotiaestimatesthat Nova Scotia could receive600 to700 refugees, but that number hasn't been confirmed by the federal government.

Exactly when Nova Scotia could start seeing thoserefugees arrive hasn't been determined.