Three years on from the devastating earthquake, the Canadian Red Cross continues to support communities in Haiti.

OTTAWA, Jan. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Three years after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti, the Red Cross continues to help earthquake survivors rebuild and recover.  Today, efforts have shifted from immediate life-saving assistance to long-term recovery to ensure communities can build a stronger and healthier future.

"The Canadian Red Cross is committed to sharing expertise and resources with the Haitian Red Cross and providing communities with programming that best fits their needs," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.  "This includes facilitating projects dealing with shelter, health, violence and abuse prevention, and helping to reduce the risk of future disasters."

The Canadian Red Cross has helped improve lives thanks to Canadian donations.  To date, the Canadian Red Cross has:

• Provided over 7,500 families with homes that meet or exceed standards for an earthquake zone and over 19,000 families with safe shelter solutions
• Reached more than 300,000 families with cholera prevention information
• Supported 2,089 families with cash grants for rental accommodations
• Provided "Train the Trainers" first aid workshops to 90 Haitian Red Cross volunteers.  First aid training can be a valuable income generator and an important skill for community members to learn
• Treated over 1,500 patients at a Canadian Red Cross cholera treatment centre
• Trained over 420,000 people on how to prevent and mitigate interpersonal violence

Last spring, the Canadian Red Cross was pleased to announce that it has completed its important shelter program, providing over 7,500 families in Jacmel and Leogane with a new home.  While the Canadian Red Cross was proud to share this important milestone, its work in Haiti will continue for years to come.

"The road to recovery is long and challenging, but the Canadian Red Cross is committed to taking the time needed to properly invest in long-term and sustainable recovery operations," adds Sauvé.  "Canadians can be very proud that their donations are having a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of earthquake survivors in Haiti."

The Canadian Red Cross continues to help build stronger, safer communities in Haiti through several projects, including the decongestion of camps in Port-au-Prince for over 2,000 families and an integrated health program.  The $35 million program will include working to rebuild the departmental hospital in Jacmel that was damaged during the earthquake, rehabilitating health centres, training health care professionals and local community workers, health education programing and strengthening institutional capacities in terms of planning, management and evaluation.

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.

SOURCE: CANADIAN RED CROSS

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