Stories of Hope from Haiti

Two Babies Delivered at Red Cross Field Hospital

OTTAWA , Jan. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - As the Canadian Red Cross continues its relief operations in Haiti , staff and volunteers are reporting stories of hope amongst survivors.

On Jan. 20, 2010 , two healthy babies, one boy and one girl, were successfully delivered at the Canadian/Norwegian Red Cross field hospital in Port-au-Prince . They were born within 90 minutes of the magnitude 6 aftershock that struck earlier that morning. One was delivered naturally, and the other through caesarean. Canadian Red Cross delegates working at the field hospital are pleased to report that both babies and mothers are in good health.

The field hospital, which was funded in part by a generous contribution from the Government of Canada , is actively treating patients. The field hospital can provide essential surgical and medical care for up to 300 people per day and includes customized modules such as surgery, first aid and triage, a ward of 70 beds, a community health unit and a psychosocial support unit.

The International Red Cross has deployed 19 Emergency Response Units (ERUs); including the Canadian/Norwegian Red Cross field hospital. Over 200 international Red Cross delegates have been deployed within these ERUs. This operation represents the largest ever deployment of these international emergency response teams in the history of the Red Cross. ERUs include water and sanitation units, logistic units, information and technology and telecommunication infrastructure and field hospitals.

Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Fund reaches $59 Million

The Canadian Red Cross has currently received donations totalling $59 million for its Haiti Earthquake Fund, of which $43.3 million is from generous individuals.

"As we begin to hear stories of hope from our operations in the field, we wish to thank the many generous Canadians who are helping support this vital work," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "Funds raised will support the International Red Cross response, and will also go towards longer-term projects, as the Canadian Red Cross helps affected communities recover and rebuild."

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, by texting REDCROSS to 30333* or at any Red Cross office. Cheques should be earmarked Haiti Earthquake.

Photos Available: Newborn baby and Canadian Red Cross delegate Aline Gagnon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/canadian_redcross/sets

B-Roll of field hospital available:

Journalists are invited to download footage of the newly born baby at the Canadian/Norwegian Red Cross ERU.

The b-roll is 2:24 minutes in duration and can be downloaded http://av.ifrc.org/Standard/i-sendBasket.index.jsp?basketID=TUBJHY93D7DTFGY9K416T3GNU6.

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]