Donations now being accepted at LCBO stores for Pakistan flood relief efforts

TORONTO, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - Effective immediately and until further notice, the public can help support those whose lives have been devastated by floods in Pakistan by making donations to the Canadian Red Cross at one of the more than 600 LCBO stores across Ontario. 

"Ontarians have a long history of giving generously when others are affected by natural disasters," said LCBO President and CEO Bob Peter. "LCBO is pleased to provide this opportunity for the public to contribute by supporting the Red Cross Red Crescent movement in their efforts to provide urgently needed relief in the affected areas of Pakistan."

The Canadian Red Cross is ramping up relief efforts in flood ravaged Pakistan including a recent distribution of emergency supplies to families in the Swat Valley, as well as a collaborative effort, along with the Canadian International Development Agency, with the deployment of $1 million of emergency supplies to the flood affected areas of Swat Valley District through the Rapid Response Project.

"With an estimated 20 million people affected and the numbers still climbing, this disaster is the worst in Pakistan's history," says Hossam Elsharkawi, director of emergencies and recovery with the Canadian Red Cross. "Even once the rains end and flood waters subside, this emergency will be far from over and it is vital that we get supplies to vulnerable communities now."

Food and non-food items, emergency shelter, immediate health care and access to clean water and sanitation remain a priority for aid organizations.

"Hundreds of thousands of people are living without even the most basic supplies," adds Elsharkawi. "Canadian donations are making a difference in Pakistan but more help is needed to allow us to continue our efforts."

To date, the Canadian Red Cross has provided $2.5 million in support of relief and recovery operations including the provision of 900 tents to survivors. In addition, four mobile field clinics and a seven-person paramedic team have been deployed to assist affected communities.

Ontario residents wishing to make a financial donation may also give online at www.redcross.ca, call 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Pakistan Floods" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON L5R 3E9.

For further information:

Media Contacts
Tanya Elliott, Canadian Red Cross	Stephanie Petroff, LCBO Corporate Communications
905-460-7966	416-864-6792; email [email protected]