(Regina, August 1, 2006) – Canadian Red Cross and SaskCentral today announced that effective immediately, cash donations will be accepted until August 31st at participating Saskatchewan credit unions to help provide innocent civilians in Lebanon with food, shelter, first aid, basic health care and medical supplies.
As conflict continues to impact civilians in the Middle East, the Canadian Red Cross is urging Canadians to help those affected in Lebanon. There are more than 600 reported deaths, and more than 700,000 people displaced from their homes as they seek safety in other parts of Lebanon and in neighbouring Syria. There is considerable damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure.
Right now the need for access to health care, clean water and food is very urgent. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is securing shipments of supplies from nearby countries, and ensuring their swift passage through blockades.
Funds raised will assist the ICRC in providing help to meet the basic needs of those affected by this crisis through the distribution of much-needed relief items such as: emergency medical supplies, food, blankets, hygiene kits and kitchen sets to cover the needs of approximately 650,000 people. In addition, medical kits and material to treat the war-wounded have been sent to Lebanon from ICRC warehouses in Amman, Jordan and will be distributed to hospitals, dispensaries and the National Society first aid services.
The ICRC is also concerned about the plight of civilians in the north of Israel, where a number of people have been killed or injured by rocket attacks. The organization is assisting the Magen David Adom, which runs ambulance and emergency services in the country.
An estimated 150,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria, where the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been working relentlessly to furnish aid and shelter and to restore family links for those in need. Together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the ICRC is providing the Society with the necessary support.
Here in Canada, Canadian Red Cross volunteers are on hand at the airport in Montreal as the first entry point for travellers (in cooperation with inter-departmental government teams) to help with the reception of returnees from Lebanon. For those who need it, basic needs – shelter, food, and psycho-social support – will be available for 72 hours. As returnees head to other parts of the country, Red Cross is on standby to assist as required. Red Cross has already helped more than 4,000 returnees.
“We appreciate the support of Saskatchewan credit unions in collecting donations for this appeal,” says Daryl Silzer, Saskatchewan Manager of Financial Development for the Canadian Red Cross. “We call on caring Canadians to assist those individuals being affected by this crisis.”
“Our sincerest sympathies go out to the families and individuals whose lives have been affected by this conflict,” says Sid Bildfell, CEO of SaskCentral. “Saskatchewan credit unions are pleased to assist the vital relief effort underway by the Canadian Red Cross.”
To cope with the crisis, the ICRC has issued an appeal for $92 million dollars to support medical facilities, to deliver relief items including food and provide access to clean water. The ICRC has expanded its staff in Beirut, Tyre and Marjayoun and has been travelling to villages close to the border to deliver aid and facilitate medical evacuations together with the Lebanese Red Cross.
Saskatchewan credit unions have an ongoing arrangement with the Canadian Red Cross to assist them in all of their relief efforts.
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 donations at
www.redcross.ca.
In the unlikely event that this appeal is over-subscribed and the needs of the victims are met, any remaining funds from the appeal will be transferred to the International Disaster Relief Fund established to aid the victims of international disasters. Donations of goods are not accepted.