Canadian volunteers deploy to New York to assist Red Cross response

OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross is deploying 10 volunteers to support shelter operations in New York following Hurricane Sandy, a powerful storm that has affected millions of lives with strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and coastal surges.

"The response by the American Red Cross has been incredible," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Our volunteers will help support the American Red Cross in providing evacuees with not only a safe place to stay but with help and hope."

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide families with safe shelter, food and water.  To date, they have mobilized 1,700 disaster workers from all over the country who have served more than 25,000 meals and snacks.  They have also activated over 160 response vehicles and shipped in more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals.  Almost 11,000 people have spent the night in more than 250 Red Cross shelters across 16 states and these numbers could increase as the storm moves into cities like Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee with heavy wind, rain and snow.

"The Canadian Red Cross has a strong relationship with the American Red Cross and we are proud to support their efforts," adds Sauvé. "I am confident that our American colleagues would be here to help if ever needed."

The Canadian Red Cross does not recruit new volunteers for this type of mission, but relies on its existing pool of people who have experience responding to disasters in Canada, ranging from house fires to major forest fires or floods.

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. 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

For more information please contact:
National Red Cross Media Line

613-740-1994