Red Cross continues to provide emergency aid in Haiti: Canadian Red Cross
relief supplies arrive

OTTAWA , Jan. 21 /CNW/ - As large-scale Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti continue, a shipment of Canadian Red Cross tents arrived in Haiti . These tents are part of a series of expected Canadian Red Cross shipments from around the world and will temporarily shelter 1,500 people.

Shelter is a priority for earthquake survivors, and during the evening of Jan. 19 , the Canadian Red Cross completed a shipment of tents from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' (IFRC) warehouse in Panama to Port-au-Prince . Several more shipments, including over $400,000 in Canadian Red Cross relief items prepositioned in Panama , are being deployed.

The International Red Cross continues to send much needed supplies into the region. So far, more than 77 tonnes of Red Cross aid from around the world has landed in Haiti or the Dominican Republic .

The Canadian Red Cross continues to operate a variety of activities, including the deployment of aid workers for field assessment and the operation of a joint Canadian-Norwegian Red Cross Emergency Response Unit (ERU) field hospital.

Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Fund reaches $51.6 Million

The Canadian Red Cross has currently received donations totalling $51.6 million for its Haiti Earthquake Fund, of which $39 million is from generous individuals.

"As earthquake survivors continue to experience urgent needs with regards to shelter, food, water and medical care, the Red Cross is still very much in need of support from Canadians," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Funds raised will support the International Red Cross response, and will also go towards longer-term projects, as the Canadian Red Cross helps affected communities recover and rebuild in the months and years to come."

Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111, by texting REDCROSS to 30333* or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

B-Roll of Relief Supplies Available

Journalists are invited to download footage of the IFRC Panama warehouse, including visuals of prepositioned Canadian Red Cross relief supplies recently deployed to Haiti . The footage was filmed in summer 2009.

The b-roll is one minute in duration and can be downloaded ftp.redcross.ca.

    
    Open My Documents on the local computer
    In the address type ftp.redcross.ca
    Username: intdelegates
    Password: !Feb05851am!
    

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross media line, [phone]