Canadian banks accepting donations for Red Cross response to Ebola epidemic in West Africa

OTTAWA, Oct. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that nine banks in Canada are accepting cash donations in support of Red Cross efforts to end the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.

"Red Cross teams have been responding to this health emergency since March, providing life-saving treatment and working throughout the region in an effort to prevent transmission of the virus," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We are grateful to the participating banks for making it easier for Canadians to support Red Cross efforts that are urgently needed to reverse the spread of Ebola."

Red Cross efforts in West Africa are focused on the clinical care and treatment of patients with Ebola, through a centre in Kenema, Sierra Leone, and region-wide prevention activities that span 12 countries and are aimed at breaking the cycle of the epidemic through contact tracing, care of the deceased and community-based education and outreach.

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation can donate to the West Africa Ebola fund by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by giving online at www.redcross.ca/ebola-virus.  Canadians can also visit their local Red Cross office or one of the participating banks in Canada listed below.  Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross and earmarked West Africa Ebola fund.

The following banks are accepting financial donations:

BMO Financial Group
Canadian Western Bank
CIBC
HSBC Bank Canada
National Bank
RBC
Scotiabank
Tangerine Bank – online donations directly from accounts
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 189 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]