MEDIA RELEASE

Saskatchewan credit unions accepting donations for the Canadian Red Cross South Asia Earthquake Appeal

(Regina, October 19 2005) – Canadian Red Cross and SaskCentral today announced that participating credit unions would be accepting cash donations to help provide food, shelter, first aid, basic health care and medical supplies for the survivors of the massive earthquake that struck Pakistan and India.

“The earthquake that struck Pakistan and India has had devastating consequences,” says Keith Nixon, Vice-president Democratic Support / Corporate Secretary, SaskCentral. “At such times, Saskatchewan credit unions and their members are always willing to work with the Canadian Red Cross to contribute to the international relief effort and to ease the suffering of the people whose lives have been affected.”

Canadians have already donated $4, 956, 399 through the Canadian Red Cross to assist survivors of the massive earthquake that has left more than 26,000 dead and millions homeless in Pakistan and India.

“Canadians have responded generously – and we hope that will continue,” says Cindy Fuchs, Regional Director of the Canadian Red Cross in Southern Saskatchewan. “We greatly appreciate the support of Saskatchewan credit unions in collecting donations to support this relief effort.”

Canadians wishing to make a financial donation may also donate online at www.redcross.ca , at any chartered bank, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office . The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa and MasterCard. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked “South Asia Earthquake” and mailed to Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2. For information on how Red Cross manages donations, please visit " How We Care For Your Donations .” Donations of goods are not accepted.

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 182 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

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For more information, please call:

Christine Finnerty, Public Affairs Coordinator, Canadian Red Cross, Tel:(306) 721-1633, christine.finnerty@redcross.ca

Ian Monteith, Communications, SaskCentral, Tel: (306) 566-1525 or Cell:539-2607, ian.monteith@corpserv.ca