The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce that nine banks in Canada are accepting cash donations in support of Red Cross relief efforts in Pakistan. Over 20 million people have been left devastated as the worst disaster the world has seen in a decade wreaks havoc across the country.
"The scale of this disaster is unimaginable," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "We urgently need more support to meet the overwhelming humanitarian needs in Pakistan. We are grateful to these banks for making it easier for Canadians to rapidly turn their compassion into aid, support and hope."
The Red Cross Movement is rapidly mobilizing to support the urgent needs of affected communities. The Pakistan Red Crescent has over 50,000 volunteers who have already reached 300,000 people with emergency supplies and medical assistance.
The Canadian Red Cross is actively supporting the global response and has already deployed four mobile health units and a seven-person paramedic team to affected communities. In addition, $2.5 million has been contributed to the International Red Cross appeal including an international delegate to lead the Field Assessment team and 900 much-needed tents.
Canadians can give online, call toll-free at 1-800-418-1111 or visit their local Red Cross office or one of the participating bank branches. Cheques should be earmarked Pakistan Floods 2010.
The following banks are accepting financial donations from August 20 to September 17 2010:
BMO Financial Group Canadian Western Bank CIBC HSBC Bank Canada Laurentian Bank of Canada National Bank Financial Group RBC Scotiabank TD Canada Trust
Canadians wishing to make a financial donation may give online at www.redcross.ca, call 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office. The 24-hour toll free line accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Cheques should be made payable to the Canadian Red Cross, earmarked "Pakistan Floods 2010" and mailed to the Canadian Red Cross National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.