Red Cross grateful for Canadian donations to support earthquake in Haiti,
more money needed to sustain emergency relief and help communities rebuild

OTTAWA , Jan. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Red Cross is deeply appreciative of the more than $17 million in donations to the Haiti Earthquake fund, received from generous Canadians as well as the nearly $4 million from Canadian corporations and governments. Canadians are encouraged to maintain the flow of much-needed financial donations to help the Red Cross provide urgently needed support to survivors and to address the longer-term needs of affected communities as we begin to help them rebuild and recover.

"The compassion and generosity of the Canadian public, government and business in response to the Haiti earthquake has been immediate and overwhelming," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "With three million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Haiti , we encourage more Canadians to join our donors in providing essential cash assistance to rapidly deliver aid, restore hope and invest in rebuilding Haiti's future."

Through the generous support of donors world-wide, a total of 11 Emergency Response Units (ERUs) from throughout the International Red Cross Movement have been deployed. ERUs are self-contained teams of specialists and pre-packed sets of standardized equipment developed to improve the speed and efficiency of Red Cross response. As of today, six ERUs are arriving in-country including six Canadian Red Cross delegates and much needed medical supplies, vehicles, water and sanitation supplies and telecommunication equipment.

Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

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 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.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross media line, [phone]