Canadian Red Cross Announces Haiti Relief Updates Regarding Shelter, New
Donation Options and Canadian Donor Response

OTTAWA , Jan. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - As the International Red Cross undertakes one of its largest-ever relief efforts in response to the Haiti earthquake, the Canadian Red Cross continues to make progress with its activities in the region.

The Canadian Red Cross continues to operate a variety of activities in Haiti , including the deployment of aid workers for field assessments and the operation of a joint Canadian-Norwegian Red Cross Emergency Response Unit (ERU) field hospital.

The Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund has currently raised over $35.7 million in donations and $8.1 million in pledges. From these funds, the Canadian Red Cross has already contributed over $14 million in cash, personnel and supplies to Haiti . A series of shipments of Canadian Red Cross relief items is expected in the coming days, the first of which will include tents to temporarily shelter 1,500 people. Donations made to the Canadian Red Cross will support emergency relief operations already underway and the long-term recovery needs of affected communities.

Text Message Donations Contribute to Haiti Earthquake fund

The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce the continued rapid growth of its Haiti Earthquake fund. As of today, Canadians can donate to the Society via text messaging. Donors interested in this option must simply text REDCROSS to 30333 and a one-time donation of $5 for the Haiti Earthquake fund will be added to their mobile phone bill. The charge will be posted once the donor responds to a confirmation text. Text messaging donations are available in $5 increments*. The Canadian Red Cross continues to encourage Canadians to give generously as the situation in Haiti continues to require their support.

"For many people, this disaster has robbed them of their livelihoods and homes," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We know from our experience with large disasters that these communities will need our support to rebuild their lives and this will require a large amount of resources, along with patience and time."

Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111, by sending the text message "REDCROSS" to 30333 to make a one-time donation of $5*, or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

New Images Available from the Field

Visit the Canadian Red Cross Flickr page to access photo of Red Cross relief efforts underway in Haiti . http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadian_redcross/

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.

* Standard messaging rates and additional fees may apply to donation texts. All charges are billed by and payable to the mobile service provider. The service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Canadian Red Cross by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.mobilegiving.ca. Donors can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 30333.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross media line, [phone]