OTTAWA, Nov. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - As the Canadian Red Cross delivers more life-saving medical care and support to other relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan's devastation in the Philippines, it welcomes a Government of Canada announcement extending by two weeks to December 23rd, a program to match dollar-for-dollar eligible donations by individuals to the relief effort.
"The needs are still immense and we remain committed to helping people in the immediate aftermath and in the longer term," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "The extension of the Government of Canada matching offer gives Canadians more time to raise funds and make donations, knowing the value of their efforts double in helping the people of the Philippines."
A Canadian Red Cross field hospital and staff, with support from the Norwegian and Hong Kong Red Cross Societies, is operating at full capacity in the heavily damaged city of Ormoc, ensuring essential health needs of more than 100,000 people are met. This includes surgical, pharmacy, maternity, pediatric services and psychosocial support.
"So far our medical team has delivered more than 60 babies, performed 24 life-saving surgeries, and our children's ward is at full capacity," added Sauvé. "Canadians can be proud that their donations to the Red Cross are saving lives."
Financial donations support the field hospital and other Red Cross activities such as staffing and equipping shelters and distributing food and cooking utensils, clean water, hygiene kits and other essential relief supplies.
Canadians wishing to help can make a financial donation online at www.redcross.ca, at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations "Typhoon Haiyan." The Government of Canada will now match eligible donations of individual Canadians received up to December 23, 2013.
SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross
Canadian Red Cross
Media Line: 613-740-1994
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