Banks across Canada accepting donations for Red Cross response to Hurricane Sandy

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that seven banks across Canada are accepting cash donations in support of the Red Cross response to Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean and the United States. Hurricane Sandy has caused devastation across six countries, leaving more than 300,000 people in the Caribbean homeless, and causing widespread damage in 10 American states.

"Thanks to the help of these banks, Canadians now have another easy way to contribute to the Red Cross response to Hurricane Sandy," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We are grateful to the participating banks for their continued support of Red Cross relief efforts in Canada and abroad."

The Red Cross response to this disaster was immediate. Disaster management volunteers in each country rapidly mobilized to provide life-saving shelter, food and potable water to communities displaced by the storm. Red Cross societies in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are providing safe shelter, water distribution and emergency relief to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the storm. In the United States, 23,000 Red Cross volunteers and staff are assisting people in 10 states.

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting those affected by this devastating disaster.

Funds may be given to support hurricane response across the Caribbean region through the Hurricanes 2012 fund, or can be donated directly to the United States recovery operations through the Hurricane Sandy - USA fund.

The following banks are accepting donations from Wednesday, November 7 to Friday, December 7, 2012 in branches across the country:

BMO Financial Group Canadian Western Bank CIBC HSBC Bank Canada

RBC Scotiabank TD Canada Trust

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.

SOURCE: CANADIAN RED CROSS

Canadian Red Cross Media Line
[phone]