Banks in Ontario accepting donations for Red Cross flood relief efforts in Thunder Bay

OTTAWA, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that eight banks in Ontario are accepting cash donations in support of the Red Cross response to floods in Thunder Bay. Flooding has affected more than 1,500 families in the city.

"Thanks to the help of these banks, Ontarians now have another easy way to contribute to Red Cross relief efforts in Thunder Bay," 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 to crises in Canada and abroad."

The Red Cross response to this disaster was immediate. Highly trained disaster management volunteers rapidly mobilized across the region, and additional volunteers have now arrived from across Canada to support the needs of vulnerable communities. The Red Cross has already assessed more than 500 flood-affected homes, including 100 of the most vulnerable households in the city's hard-hit east end.

The Red Cross has established a shelter and reception centre, where affected residents can access information, food, water, supplies and shelter as needed. Working in close co-operation with the City, the Red Cross is providing families in need with up to 1,000 comfort kits, which include personal hygiene and baby supplies, as well as providing up to 2,000 families with supplies to clean up their flood-affected homes.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation may give online at www.redcross.ca, call 1-800-418-1111, or visit their local Canadian Red Cross office or one of the participating banks in Ontario. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross and earmarked "Thunder Bay Flood". Donations will be used to support families' immediate needs and long-term recovery from this disaster.

The following banks are accepting donations from June 6 to July 6, in Ontario branches:

BMO Financial Group Canadian Western Bank CIBC HSBC Bank Canada National Bank Financial Group 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.

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