Canadian Red Cross thanks Government of Canada for Typhoon Haiyan donation matching program

OTTAWA, Nov. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is thanking the Government of Canada for its decision to match donations made to charitable organizations in support of relief efforts in communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

"Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed as more than 4 million people in the Philippines have been affected by this super typhoon," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "The Red Cross remains on high alert and continues to help prepare communities in the storm's path."

Since Haiyan made landfall, the Red Cross has been working to provide urgently-needed assistance in affected communities.  This includes carrying out search and rescue operations, distributing food, and mobilizing items like blankets, jerry cans, hygiene kits and sleeping mats.

The Government of Canada will match the donations of individual Canadians between November 8 and December 9, 2013. Those funds will go into a relief fund that is separate from the Canadian Red Cross and will be administered by the Government of Canada. Funds raised through this program will support on-going humanitarian assistance in typhoon affected communities.

"Canadians have consistently shown their compassion in times of crisis around the world," adds Sauvé. "We hope the Government of Canada's announcement will motivate more Canadians to support humanitarian relief efforts in affected areas."

Canadians wishing to help those affected by this storm are encouraged to make a financial donation online at www.redcross.ca, at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations "Typhoon Haiyan". 

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 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.

SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross

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