Canadian Red Cross opens first satellite office in Ontario First Nation community

MOOSE FACTORY, ON, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross and Moose Cree First Nation celebrated their innovative and unique partnership yesterday at the grand opening of the Red Cross satellite office in Moose Cree First Nation. This satellite office is the first of its kind in Ontario.

"The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of working with First Nation communities," said Ron Kelusky, Director General, Canadian Red Cross. "The opening of a Red Cross satellite office in Moose Cree First Nation is a significant milestone for both organizations and we look forward to an enduring and successful partnership."

The Red Cross office in Moose Cree First Nation will support the development and delivery of Red Cross programs and services, including disaster preparedness and response, and violence and abuse prevention programs. These may be existing Red Cross initiatives (modified as necessary) or entirely new programs designed to meet the needs of the community.

The Ontario Zone of the Canadian Red Cross has committed to a First Nations Strategy, a detailed plan for enhancing relationships and partnerships between the Red Cross and First Nation communities in Ontario. One of the first milestones in this strategy is the opening of a Red Cross satellite office in a First Nation community.

"We are delighted to welcome the Canadian Red Cross to our community," said Norm Hardisty Jr., Chief of Moose Cree First Nation. "This partnership will enable us to build our capacity for preparing and responding to disasters and implement Red Cross programs to improve the health and safety of our citizens."

The Red Cross office in Moose Cree First Nation will work closely with the Timmins Red Cross branch office to maintain consistency of Red Cross programs and policies and ensure long-term sustainability.

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 over 188 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross 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

Colleen Lowe, Senior Communications Advisor
Cell: 416-580-2307
*Photos available upon request