NEWS RELEASE

Credit Unions Collecting for Red Cross Flood and Severe Weather Response

(Regina, June 30, 2005) – Canadian Red Cross and Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan today announced that participating credit unions would be accepting cash donations to assist Canadian Red Cross with their current disaster response operations in western Canada. 

In Alberta, heavy rainfall caused flooding that has damaged more than 2,000 homes, as well as roads, bridges, and local infrastructure in many parts of the province, affecting thousands of residents in more than 30 communities.  The high water levels and persistent severe weather that continues to hover over the Prairies now threatens residents in parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

From the onset of the floods in Alberta, Red Cross workers were immediately mobilized to help those affected by registering evacuees and assessing their short-term and long-term needs, helping provide shelter and food, distributing clean-up kits, and providing essential items for basic needs. 

“We appreciate the support of Saskatchewan credit unions in collecting donations for this appeal,” says Daryl Silzer, Regional Director for the Canadian Red Cross in Southern Saskatchewan.  “Corporate and individual donations and pledges to the Red Cross fund now top $86,000, but Red Cross anticipates that further funds will be needed to ensure it has the ability to meet the needs of residents who face hardship.”    

Saskatchewan credit unions have an ongoing arrangement with the Canadian Red Cross to assist them in all of their relief efforts.

Money in the fund is already being put into action in the affected communities. “We’re meeting with flood-affected residents in Alberta to assess their individual situation - especially the hardest hit, who may not have the capacity to meet their immediate or long-term needs,” explains Silzer. 

Canadians wishing to help may also make a financial donation by calling Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111.  The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa and MasterCard.  Donations can also be made at any local Canadian Red Cross office or online at www.redcross.ca.

In the weeks and months ahead, the fund will provide mid- and long-term recovery assistance to those who are suffering hardship as a result of these disasters.  In the unlikely event that donations exceed needs for this disaster, funds remaining would be directed to the Red Cross Canadian Disaster Relief Fund, to help those affected by future disasters.

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For more information, please call:

Christine Finnerty, Public Affairs Coordinator, (306) 721-1633

Janelle Lindsey, SaskCentral, (306) 566-1684