Canadian banks accepting donations for Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti

OTTAWA , Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that nine banks in Canada are accepting cash donations in support of Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti . On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, followed by two powerful aftershocks, struck off the western coast of Haiti .

"It is estimated that 3 million people have been affected and 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."

In addition to accepting donations from the public, many banks in Canada have announced their own donations to the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti , totaling more than $1 million .

The Red Cross response to this disaster was immediate. Local Red Cross volunteers are on the ground evacuating people, assisting in search and rescue efforts and providing emergency first aid and shelter. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used to provide emergency shelter, food, water and other essentials in impacted communities based on needs.

Canadians can give online (https://www.paypaq.com/redcross/new/index.php), call toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit their local Red Cross office or one of the participating bank branches. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

    
    The following banks are accepting financial donations from January 15 to
February 15, 2010:

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

For general information contact your local Red Cross office (http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=136&tid=001).

For further information: Media enquiries only: Canadian Red Cross media line: [phone] Or Andrew Addison, Manager, Media Relations, Canadian Bankers Association, Tel: [phone], ext. 220, E-mail: [email protected]