Just as the Canadian Red Cross marked the fifth anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami in Asia, disaster struck again with a Jan.12 earthquake that has devastated the country of Haiti, leaving thousands dead in its wake.
Canadian Red Cross workers in Prince George are once again flooded with residents wishing to help through cash donations, said Becky Row, operations manager for northern B.C. and the Yukon.
As of mid-day Monday, local donations totalled $35,000, Row said.
Across Canada the Red Cross has collected $25.7 million that goes immediately for emergency response of food, water and shelter, recovery of bodies and notification of next of kin. Then comes "recovery or rebuilding of infrastructure," said Row who describes the "the giving nature of Canadians" as amazing,
"Our totals are constantly changing all day, and what a gift the federal government is giving by matching donations up to total of $50 million. That means as of today, we have given $70,000 locally and $51.4 million nationally. If Canadians can give $50 million, it will mean $100 million for the people of Haiti." said Row, noting groups in our city are working with the Red Cross to raise money for the cause.
At UNBC, student members of the Model UN Club, International Studies, Political Science and other student groups are manning a table in the Wintergarden to accept donations and are holding bake sales to raise money for Haiti earthquake victims.
The same is happening among the Indo Canadian Sikh community that expects to present a cheque to the Red Cross for thousands of dollars at the temple on Fifth Avenue and Kelly Street on Sunday.
The Canadian Red Cross office is located at 1399 Sixth Ave.
