MEDIA ADVISORY - INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: Ottawa resident deploying to lead
International Red Cross response in Pakistan

OTTAWA, Aug. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is ramping up its relief operations in response to flooding in Pakistan. Over three million people have been affected as the worst flooding in 80 years wreaks havoc across 70 per cent of the country.

As part of the response efforts the Red Cross is deploying Canadian aid worker Ted Itani to lead the International Red Cross Field Assessment and Coordination Team.

No stranger to the region Itani, an experienced aid worker, led the International Red Cross response efforts after an earthquake devastated thousands in Pakistan in 2005. Itani currently works as Humanitarian Advisor at the Pearson Peacekeeping centre. Prior to this he spent his 37-year career with the Canadian military and the UN serving in disaster hotspots around the world from Sarajevo to Iraq.

    
    What:     Pakistan flood response

    Who:      Ted Itani, Canadian Red Cross aid worker

    Where:    Ottawa: Thursday August 5 & Friday August 6
              Pakistan: Sunday August 8 on-ward
    

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 185 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.

For further information: or to schedule an interview please contact: Canadian Red Cross Media Line, [phone]