Canadian banks accepting donations for Red Cross relief efforts in Asia
Pacific

OTTAWA , Oct. 7 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that nine banks in Canada are now accepting cash donations in support of Red Cross relief efforts across the Asia Pacific region. Over five million people have had their lives devastated after typhoons in the Phillipines and Vietnam, a tsunami in Samoa and an earthquake in Indonesia .

"Millions of people across Asia Pacific are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance," says Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We are grateful to these banks for making it easier for Canadians to rapidly turn their care and compassion into aid, support and hope for those who need it most."

Local Red Cross volunteers have been working around the clock in all affected communities to support evacuation efforts, set up emergency shelters and distribute clean water, food and blankets. Last week, the Canadian Red Cross deployed five aid workers to affected communities with more on standby if needed.

The best way for Canadians to help is through a donation to the International Disaster Relief Fund, which allows the Canadian Red Cross to provide urgently needed assistance to those who need it most. Canadians can give online at www.redcross.ca, toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or at their local Red Cross office or at one of the participating bank branches. Cheques should be earmarked International Disaster Relief Fund.

The following banks are accepting financial donations from October 8 to November 6, 2009:

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

For further information: For further information or to arrange an interview with a Red Cross spokesperson in Philippines, Vietnam, Samoa or Indonesia, please contact: Katie Boyd, Public Affairs Advisor, Canadian Red Cross, Tel: [phone]